Raul Castro: G-15 Is Pivotal
Cuba´s First Vice President Raul Castro highlighted the role of the Group of 15 as a catalyst in increasing cooperation among nations of the Southern Hemisphere, when speaking at the opening of the G-15 Summit in Havana Thursday.

Bolivia Out of Santa Cruz To-do
Members of the Bolivian administration declared themselves neutral in the conflict between the regionalist elite and farmers of eastern Santa Cruz Province, although they exhorted the farm workers to abstain from blockading that city.

IMF: Venezuelan GDP Beats Forecasts
The IMF World Economic Outlook says the Venezuela gross domestic product will roll past the IMF s April forecast of six percent growth in 2006 to reach 7.5 percent.

Mexican President Breaks with Tradition
Mexico´s President Vicente Fox will give the “Shout of Independence” on September 15 in Dolores Hidalgo, in Guanajuato, and not at the National Palace in Constitution Plaza as planned.