Ortega asks big business to help Nicaragua poor
New President Daniel Ortega, a former Marxist guerrilla, told big business on Wednesday its investments were safe in Nicaragua but asked companies to give to the Central American country's many poor.

Venezuelan president: Castro recovering, able to walk　
Cuban leader Fidel Castro is recovering and has been up and walking, said Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez on Wednesday after he and visiting Cuban Vice President Carlos Lage signed a range of deals designed to boost cooperation.

Bolivian president reshuffles half his cabinet
Bolivian President Evo Morales reshuffled almost half of his cabinet in order to strengthen his second year in office, according to reports reaching here on Wednesday.

Ecuadorian defense minister killed in air crash
Ecuadorian Defense Minister Guadalupe Larriva on Wednesday night died in an air crash, due to the mid-air collision of two military helicopters, officials said.

Cuba to sign cooperation pacts with Venezuela
Cuban Vice President Carlos Lage arrived in Venezuela on Wednesday to sign a series of agreements aimed at boosting cooperation in areas ranging from tourism to telecommunications.