Colombia says Venezuela destroys bridge, holds soldier

By Andrea

On Friday, December 5 Colombian Defense Minister Gabriel Silva accused Venezuela of destroying another community bridge. He further said that this was "another act of aggression and a violation of international rights." In addition, he noted that a Colombian soldier who was supposed to accidently cross the borders was being held by Venezuelan authorities.

In response, Venezuela announced that the bridge was destroyed as it had only been used by smugglers. No comments on Colombian charges about a detained soldier were made.


Source: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20091204/wl_nm/us_colombia_venezuela_1

Arrest in Facebook threat to Colombian President's son

By Andrea

On Wednesday a student who posted a threat against Colombian President's son on Facebook was arrested. 23-year-old Nicolas Castro was supposed to post the following message; "I promise to kill Jeronimo Alberto Uribe, son of Alvaro Uribe." After his arrest Castro said to reporters that what he wrote on the social networking site "was an opinion and was an error." He further insisted that he was innocent of everything he had been accused of.

Source: http://news.ino.com/headlines/?newsid=689676665858383

Colombia accuses Venezuela of imposing Cuba-like embargo

By Andrea

On December 2, 2009 Colombian President Alvaro Uribe accused Venezuela of imposing an illegal trade blockade similar to the U.S. embargo on Cuba. He said to local radio that "In Venezuela, there is an embargo against the Colombian economy. It is an illegal, unjust embargo".
Although Venezuela would seem to rely on Colombian food products, Chavez started to look for alternative supplies from other neighbor countries, namely from Argentina and Brazil. Compared with October last year, Colombian exports to Venezuela fell 56 percent. The reason for that is apparently Chavez's disagreement with the contract signed by Colombia and the U.S. Furthermore, this agreement seems to have put countries' $7 billion a year in bilateral trade at stake.

Swine flu vaccine side effects

Scientists have noticed an increasing number of Guillain-Barre syndrome cases associated with swine flu vaccination. Guillain-Barre syndrome is autoimmune disorder affecting nervous system which is frequently severe and can cause paralysis. A couple people have been diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome just a few hours or days after receiving the vaccine. There is also increasing number of deaths occurring after receiving the vaccine.
Other swine flu side effects are mild fever, fatigue or muscle aches.

By Kristýna

Source: http://www.examiner.com/x-29691-Boulder-Healthy-Living-Examiner~y2009m12d6-Swine-Flu-Vaccine-Side-Effects-Increasing-number-of-GuillainBarre-syndrome-cases

The Health Care Reform - "Former Deals Broken by Amendments"

As the debates over compromises over the health care reform escalate, the Democrats are struggling not to lose the support of interest groups currently in favor. However, several amendments currently proposed could raise costs for hospitals, doctors and drug companies way beyond what they formerly expected. Although not as medially popular as other issues several proposed amendments to the 2000 page bill could break the support of those groups that helped the downfall of the 1994 proposal, namely the American Hospital Association, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America. The first problematic amendment, introduced by Senators Liebermann, Specter and Collins, would penalize hospitals with high infection rates. Another such amendment was proposed by Democratic Sen. Dorgan which would allow U.S. pharmacies and drug wholesalers to import cheaper medication which could save the government roughly $19 billion over the next 10 years and probably more to the consumers. The last very unpopular amendment was proposed by Sen. Nelson under which about 6 million seniors would be transferred from Medicare to Medicaid which pays less for drugs.


by Lucie

Source: Washington Post December 6, 2009

The Health Care Reform - "Senate Bill Willing to Change"

As the debate over health care reform continues many Senators, including Sen. Durbin and Shaheen, recognize the need to be pragmatic and be open to changing the bill so it would have a chance to pass. Republicans continue to attack the public option as a government takeover of the health care system and the tax increases as a block of economic growth. A further issue is the issue of abortion language on which Republicans and some more conservative Democrats call for as tough language as has been voted on in the House bill. Because of the opposition the bill will require unanimous Democratic support to pass, and because of the controversial nature of the divisive issues any compromise will be hard to find even if Democrats are willing to make them.


by Lucie



Source: CNN Politics November 23, 2009

Schools in California get masks to protect children from swine flu

California schools will get 23 millions of masks and gloves to block the spread of swine flu. Also the school employees will wear masks and gloves to avoid exposure.
According to the state health officials there have been more than 7,200 cases of swine flu during this year and 366 deaths.

By Kristýna

Source: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gVVnasiEtaUpkNTbXCjMf-8PDUQQD9CCLNHO0

The Health Care Reform - "The Public Option"

The Senate has recently victoriously voted on allowing the Senate Bill to be debated. Nevertheless, this victory was short lives as some of the moderate Democrats indicated that they will not allow the bill to pass in current form. Also, the Republicans are traditionally opposed to any government sponsored insurance and so are many Independents such as Sen. Lieberman. The only Republicans currently inclined to support the Democrats are Sen. Snowe and Collins. On the other side of the spectrum are liberal Democrats, for example Sen. Brown, who insist on a public option to be included or they will block the bill. The support among the public is just as divided, in the recent Reuters poll about 60% favored the public option; however, only about 33% of Republicans approve. The belief in better health care is very low across the spectrum; only about 11% people believe that health care reform will bring improvements.

by Lucie

Source:
Washington Post November 23, 2009
Reuters/Yahoo News! December 3, 2009

Czech Republic has 22 victims of swine flu

The number of people who have died because of H1N1 virus has increased for 22 according to Ministry of Health in Czech Republic. Is estimated that approximately 100,000 Czechs have experienced swine flu. Also on Wednesday the second shipment of vaccines was delivered. Total 167 thousand doses have been imported. The vaccine should be given the severely chronically ill children over ten years.

By Kristýna

The Health Care Reform - "The Divided Opposition"

Despite the rising opposition to Obama's policies and the current health care proposals, the opposition, although strongly opposing these, lack a clear united direction of their own. Republicans and many Independents have a negative view of the Obama administration and the Democratic party in general and about 3/4 of them say that Obama does not represent traditional American values and 8 out of 10 would not support Obama's re-election. However, the Republican voters are deeply dissatisfied with the GOP leadership and their policies in the Congress as well. About 4 in 10 Republican voters are dissatisfied with the policy proposals being offered by congressional Republicans, and similar numbers see the GOP legislators as out of touch with their problems and personal values. Nearly a third say the Republicans in Congress are not representing the party's core values. Furthermore, the GOP currently lacks a clear leader which makes any focused opposition to the Health Care reform harder.

by Lucie

Source: Washington Post November 30, 2009

Health Care Reform - "The Senate Bill Moves Forward"

The Democratic health care bill proposed by Sen. Reid was cleared on Saturday 21st November to head for debate on the Senate floor. This has been viewed by the Democrats as a victory whereas Republicans criticize such move. The vote was very tight - 60 senators, including 58 Democrats and two independents, supported moving ahead with the bill and all Republicans voted against it. However, it has been alreasdy made clear by many Democrats that although they are willing to debate they are not inclined to pass the bill in its current form. The debate on amending the proposal is expected to last for weeks. Key points include the funding of abortions, cost, and the public option.

by Lucie

Source: CNN Politics November 23, 2009

The Health Care Reform - "Public Opinion Leans Against Reform"

According to a Gallup poll released on Monday November 30 the majority of Americans lean against the health care reform proposals. According to this poll conducted between November 20 and 22 only 44% of the population supports the current Congress’ reform. Traditionally the strongest support is among Democrats whose support is 76% and low with Republicans whose support was only 12%. A factor for these negative ratings might be also the low ratings of pres. Obama whose overall support on this issue fell to only 40% of the poll takers. Independents disapproval rates on both issues is around 55%.

by Lucie

Source: Reuters News November 30, 2009

US policy stays despite mine-ban review

By Andrea

November 30, 2009

Representatives from more than 100 nations met in Cartagena to review a United Nations treaty banning the use of anti-personnel mines. The 1997 Ottawa Treaty was signed by 156 nations with the exception of U.S., China and Russia. According to the Obama Administration, the United States has not changed their policy. Ian Kelly, a State Department spokesman, said on Saturday: "We determined that we wouldn't be able to meet our national defence needs, nor our security commitments to our friends and allies if we signed the convention."

It was no coincidence that Colombia was hosting the second review conference of the treaty. Since 1990 more than 8.000 Colombians have been seriously injured due to the use of landmines. These data put Colombia on the second place, only behind Afganistan.

Source: http://www.smh.com.au/world/us-policy-stays-despite-mineban-review-20091129-jyuh.html

Colombia jails death squad general over massacre

By Andrea

A Colombian court has recently sentenced a retired army general Jaime Humberto Uscátegui to 40 years of imprisonment. The former general was found guilty of murdering some 50 civilians in the village of Mapiripán during a five-day period in July 1997. His sentence is considered the longest ever for an army officer in Colombia.


Sources:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/nov/26/former-colombian-general-jailed-massacre
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8380025.stm

The Health Care Reform - "Conflict over Abortion"

The conflict of the White House and the Catholic Church over abortion language in the Senate’s bill has been aggravated by a top Obama administration official who praised the new Senate health care bill's attempt to find a compromise. A conflict with the Catholic Church could be fatal to the health care reform alliance as the Catholic bishops have great strength in the Congress. This was illustrated when they were the key to get backing for the tougher anti-abortion language of the House Bill. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops marked the Senate Bill as “the worst seen so far” on abortion. The Senate bill allows "coverage for abortion in federally subsidized health care plans, provided that private funds are used to pay for the procedure.”

by Lucie

Source: Medical News Today November 23, 2009

President Uribe didn't attend summit in Brazil

By Andrea

On November 26, 2009 Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva hosted the Amazon countries' summit, in order to agree a common position before the Climate Change talks in Copenhagen. There had been big expectations connected to this meeting after Lula said he would try to arrange a meeting between Uribe and Chavez, because of the rising tensions between the two neighboring countries. The Colombian President; however, announced that he would not attend the summit.

Source: www.semana.com

Colombia accuses Venezuela of blowing up border bridges

By Andrea

The latest of the incidents causing tensions between the two neighbouring countries happenned on the border of Colombia's Norte de Santander region on November 19, 2009. Colombian Defence Minister Gabriel Silva has accussed Venezuela of blowing up two pedestrian bridges on countries' shared border, which was according to him a clear violation of international law. A Venezuelan official responded by claiming that the army had just blown up an illegal, improvised bridge.

Source: BBC

Swine flu current statistics

According to World Health Organization, swine flu virus mutations are still spreading in Europe. Some of these mutations are also Tamiflu-resistant and they can increase the ability of the virus to affect the respiratory tracks.
There are at least 7,826 deaths worldwide since the virus was first discovered in April and more than 1,000 just in this week.

By Kristýna

Health Care Reform - "How It Can Fail"

On Saturday November 21 the Senate Democratic majority agreed on a start of the debate over health care reform which is being proposed by Harry Reid. However, this might be the last time all 60 votes came in as the health care bill still hold many controversies which make it virtually impossible for Republicans to vote for it which leaves the Democrats dependent on getting all the votes in their camp. The reasons of division are many: the public insurance plan, abortion, tax hikes and cost-cutting. Liberals want a very comprehensive plan and moderates and conservatives fear the enormous budget and the abortion language in the bill.

by Lucie

Source: Politico November 22, 2009

H1N1 virus mutations

The swine flu virus mutations were found all over the world. It is possible that the vaccines won't protect us because vaccines are effective only for the particular strain of virus which was used in their creation. There can be also new types of the virus which will be resistant to the Tamiflu. Fortunately, in current situation we don't have to worry about the effectiveness of this drug but more could appear in the near future.

By Kristýna

Source: http://www.examiner.com/x-29228-LA-Health-Technology-Examiner~y2009m11d24-Bleeding-Lungs-and-Tamifluresistance-Do-H1N1-mutations-make-the-swine-flu-vaccine-less-effective

The Health Care Reform - "$600 Million Spent on Reform Campaigns"

The Democrats are desperate to please president Obama and get the comprehensive health care bill passed and this shows on the amount of money spent to influence the negotiations on bill. Up to this day the total amount spent on lobbyists, ads and political donations exceeded $600 million, an amount that would insure about 45,000 families for a whole year. The major spenders in this case are drug companies, hospitals and advocate groups. The largest amount, almost $400 million went to lobbyists, half of which are spent by drug companies. Furthermore, the price tag of lobbying excludes money spent by the Chamber of Commerce ($60 million) and the AARP ($15 million). Spending on TV ads by health care interests totaled over $165 million, most spending coming from opponents of the reform. Also, political donations for the 2010 elections have already totaled $38 million. Health industry executives defend their spending by pointing towards the importance of the reform – after all, health care accounts for almost 1/6th of the US economy.

by Lucie

Source: CNN Money November 18, 2009

Swine flu vaccine arrived in Czech Republic

Czech Republic has already first 95 thousand doses of vaccine from the GSK company. About the half of vaccines should be distributed by the end of this week to the vaccination centers. The doctors will get the rest of the doses. Persons required to ensure the functioning of the State, police officers and firefighters will be vaccinated in December. The Minister stated that there will be enough vaccines and antivirals.

By Kristýna

Sanitizer stations at Disneyland

Disney officials are trying to prevent the spread of swine flu by placing hand-sanitizer dispensers in the park. The reason are 20 million visitors annually and therefore many opportunities to spread the H1N1 virus. Also employees with regular guest contact have their own sanitizers.

By Kristýna

Source: http://ocresort.freedomblogging.com/2009/11/17/disney-adds-sanitizer-stations-to-prevent-swine-flu/24691/

Chavez's accusation of the Colombian President

By Andrea

Monday, 16 November 2009

During his weekend speech, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez criticized Colombia's President Alvaro Uribe over a new agreement with the U.S. According to The Herald Tribune, Chavez said that from now on, he would have to talk to Washington rather than to the Colombian government, because that is "where the power is." Furthermore, he accused Uribe for being under the control of the U.S. officials, who allegly have certain information about the Colombian President's ties to cocaine traffickers and shady businessmen.

Source: http://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2009/11/16/Chavez-tees-off-on-Colombias-president/UPI-43441258397269/

Colombia attempts to calm tensions with Venezuela

By Andrea

On Friday, November 13, 2009, Colombia captured four members of the Venezuelan National Guard on Colombian territory. Nevertheless, Colombian President Alvaro Uribe decided that the country would send them home in a gesture aimed at lowering diplomatic tensions with the neighbor country.

Mauricio Romero, political science professor at Bogota's Javeriana University, said that "By sending the four Venezuelans back, Uribe is trying to mark a contrast between himself and Chavez, who looks belligerent by comparison..."

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20091115/ts_nm/us_colombia_venezuela_3

The Health Care Reform - "House Bill No Chance in Senate"

The health care bill passed by the House of Repersentatives with great media flare on October 29 won't probably have much success in the Senate as the bill is unacceptable to many Democrats and Indpenedents. For Independent Sen. Joe Lieberman, the biggest issue is the public option; he echoes concerns of many that such program would damage private insurers. In addition to the public option there are several differences between the plans: the Senate's bill doesn't require employers to provied coverage, it would probably cost less (under $900 billion) and it would use a variety of new taxes and fees to cover the costs (the House is planning to raise taxes for high income groups). However, the Bill in the Senate is not likely to be voted on as swiftly as in the House because the Congressional Budget Office still has to come up with the costs of the Bill.

by Lucie

Source: AP/Kare11 November 9, 2009

The Health Care Reform - "The Uninsurables"

The question of how to provide insurance for people who are being currently turned down by insurance companies is a question the Democratic lawmakers are trying to solve in their new health care proposals. One of the options how to insure people during the period between now and when the new legislation that includes a clause prohibiting insurers from denying coverage for pre-existing conditions comes into effect in 2013 is to provide coverage through a high-risk pool that would immediately start insuring. However, the patient applying would have to be uninsured for six months to qualify which could be a too long wait for patients with serious conditions. Such a pool has been proposed in September by president Obama during his speech in Congress. In addition to the six-month wait an issue of financing has been raised as well. For such high-risk pool $5 billion were set aside which some say is not enough. The House of Representatives’ does not include the 6 month waiting period but the budget is the same. Several say concerns about the financing are valid; in the words of Thomas Buchmueller, a professor at University of Michigan: "It would seem that ($5 billion) is going to be small relative to the need."

by Lucie

Source: CNS News November 5, 2009

The Health Care Reform - "The Middle Class"

As the middle class was one of the most important factors in the failure of the 1994 health care reform attempt, the concerns of the middle class are not to be taken lightly. The most pressing issue is the cost of the proposal and what it will mean for the middle class. Under the current system health care bills are one of the highest items in the monthly budget. However, concerns from summer are nowhere near to be dispelled as on November 2 the Associated Press came out with information that some middle-class families would still face a big budget hit for health care even with the new proposed reform. The Congressional Budget Office came with a startling number: a family of four making $66,000 and not getting insurance from their employer could have a health care bill of $10,000, after a deduction of $10,500 in government assistance.

by Lucie

Source:
AP/Google November 2, 2009
Bloomberg July 6, 2009

A million cases of swine flu in Ukraine

The new statistics say that more than one million of Ukrainians have been affected by the H1N1 virus a the number could rise dramatically because of the second wave. Schools around the country are closed for three weeks. There was also proposed a delay of the presidential elections.

By Kristýna

Source: http://www.euronews.net/2009/11/10/a-million-ukrainians-hit-by-swine-flu/

Swine flu in Afghanistan

Afghanistan has state emergency because of the swine flu. Schools, universities and other public places are closed and people are wearing masks. There are approximately 800 people with the H1N1 virus and appears to be spreading. The majority of cases are among military personnel.


By Kristýna

Source: http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20091110/afghanistan_091110/20091110?hub=TopStoriesV2

Chavez steps up Colombia war talk

By Andrea

SUNDAY, 08 NOVEMBER 2009

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez ordered on Sunday the country's military to prepare for possible armed conflict with Colombia. The presumed reason for this action was his concern over the agreement Colombia signed with the USA. As this contract provides American troops with an access to parts of Colombian territorry, Chavez fears the U.S. soldiers to use these as launching pads for an attack on his country to seize control of its immense oil reserves.

On Thursday, Venezuela has already sent 15,000 soldiers to the border with Colombia, saying the military buildup was necessary to increase security along the border. During his Sunday appearance, Chavez sent a message to the U.S. President saying; "Don't make a mistake, Mr. Obama, by ordering an attack against Venezuela by way of Colombia...". He further added; "If you want peace, prepare for war."

Sources:
http://colombiareports.com/colombia-news/news/6774-chavez-tells-troops-to-prepare-for-war-with-colombia.html
http://www.semana.com/noticias-colombia-in-the-world/chavez-steps-up-colombia-war-talk/131152.aspx

Palace of Justice Siege

By Andrea

WEDNESDAY, 04 NOVEMBER 2009

During these days, Colombia commemorates the Palace of Justice Siege, a tragic event that occurred over November 6 and 7 1985 in Bogota. On this date, members of a guerilla group attacked the Palace of Justice in Bogota and held the Supreme Court hostage. The intention of terrorists was to held a trial against President Belisario Betancur. Several hours later, a military raid was ordered. Consequently, 11 out of 25 Supreme Court Justices were killed.

The Health Care Reform - "House Bill Passed"

The Health Care Bill of the House Democrats was passed by a 220-215 vote on November 7 evening. 39 Democrats were voting against and only one Republican Rep. Joseph Cao, supported it. The Senate now has to pass its own bill and the two bills must then be combined into one and has to be voted on again before the programme can become law. However, there were 2 modifications made to the bill prior to the voting: the scale of the governmental health care program ("public option") was cut and an amendment prohibiting funding for abortion except in cases of rape, incest, and when the mother's life is in danger was added. For pro-choice activists such an amendment means a large setback.

by Lucie

Source: BBC November 8, 2009

New cases of swine flu jump 50% in England

Latest statistics show that there are 78,000 new cases of swine flu in England and 97 people have died. There is also very high level of serious illness in hospitals. Is expected that the second surge of swine flu will hit the children hardest.

By Kristýna

Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1223874/New-cases-swine-flu-jump-50-amid-increase-intensive-care-treatment.html

The Health Care Reform - "AARP Supports House Democrats"

The AARP (American Assoiation of Retired Persons) has announced it's support for the Health Care Plan of the House Democrats. They support the main points of the House Bill: preventive care, savings in the system, insurance for pre-existing conditions and for all age groups, affordability of health care. The main plus for the AARP is the prospect of more people age 50-64 to gain insurance. In the words of Bob Gallo, a senior state director of the Illionois AARP, "AARP is proud to endorse H.R. 3962 and H.R. 3961. We urge members of the House to pass this critical plan this year and finally fix our broken health-care system." However, for AARP to back the House bill could be problematic as many retirees are afraid of negative effects of cuts in Medicare.

by Lucie

Sources:
AP/Yahoo News November 4, 2009
Chicago Sun Times November 7, 2009

Colombian-Venezuelan border closed

By Andrea

On Monday, November 2, two soldiers in Venezuela's National Guard have been shot to death near the border with Colombia. The killings of the soldiers were the latest in a string of incidents on the border, including arrests on both sides. Furthermore, this incident has worsened already dire relations between Venezuela's socialist President Hugo Chavez and U.S. ally President Alvaro Uribe of Colombia. The situation escalated in the closure of borders between the countries.

Relations between Colombia and Venezuela have sharpened this summer, when Colombia accused Venezuela of supplying guerrillas with weapons. Last month Venezuelan authorities allegly caught two Colombian spies. Also, the Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez was strongly against the military agreement signed between the United States and Colombia last month, threatening to block trade because of it. Most recently, Venezuelan authorities found eight murdered bodies of men that Colombia described as an amateur soccer team that had been kidnapped near the border. Venezuela; nonetheless, claimed that those murdered were paramilitaries.

Venezuelan authorities closed the border Monday evening and on Wednesday President Chavez has even threatened to close the border permanently.

Source:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/americas/11/03/venezuela.colombia/index.html?section=cnn_latest
http://colombiareports.com/colombia-news/news/6721-colombians-unable-to-cross-venezuelan-border.html

The Health Care Reform - "The Republican Alternative"

To all the health care proposals nowadays floating around the Capitol, the Republicans are planning to add their own take on health care reform which should be narrower in scope than the 2000 pages long Democratic proposal pushed forward by Nancy Pelosi and the House Democrats. Nobody is sure how much it would cost or what it would include, yet. However, the main points were introduced by Rep. Boehner during the Republican weekly address. Their main ideas are: ability to buy insurance in other states, allow individuals and small companies to co-negotiate lower rates, let states to create their own individual reforms, cut number of laws suits that contribute to higher health care costs by increasing the number of medical procedures doctors make to avoid lawsuits.Republicans will not include a clause banning insurance companies from denying coverage for pre-existing conditions and neither will the proposal include tax credits that would help citizens purchase insurance as it would be too costly.

The Democrats criticised the Republican plan as being not thorough enough and not attempting to provide coverage for more people.

by Lucie

Source: Washington Post November 2, 2009

The Health Care Reform - "Democrats in the House Present Their Bill"

On Thursday, October 29, Democrats in the House of Representatives introduced their version of health care legislation which is a Democratic alternative to the proposal currently considered in the Senate. It is a 2000 pages long bill which should cost $894 billion over the next decade. It is supposed to bring insurance to an additional 36 million people, cap annual out-of-pocket expenses, ensure insurance for pre-existing conditions, lower deficit by $30 billion, cut Medicare expenses by 1.3% every year, and it also includes a public option of health care insurance. The finances for such measures are to be taken from tax increases on the wealthy and from cuts in Medicare and Medicaid.

Right after the plan was revealed and given for study to the members of the House of Representatives a wave of disapproval came in. The first criticism came from CNN analysts who found the expected cost severely understated; the real price tag, they say, is more than $1 trillion. The Republicans on the other hand complain about the tax increases and the big increase in regulations that would be imposed on businesses. Another sore point is, as traditionally, the public option; in the words of Representative Mike Pence said:“This really is a government takeover...” In addition to these issues Democrats and Republicans alike are calling for stronger language on abortion in the final bill.

In any case the bill now in the House of Representatives will have to be ultimately merged with the one in the Senate. Finally, before the united bill is signed by the president it will have to be again voted on in both cambers of the Congress.

by Lucie S.

Source: CNN Edition October 29, 2009

FARC guerrilla wanted by US captured

By Andrea

Monday, 02 November

A suspected member of the FARC, wanted by the US on terrorism charges, was captured in Bogota by intelligence officers with the support of Interpol Colombia. Maribel Gallego Rubio supposidly belonged to the guerilla's first front. Also, she's been allegly the girlfriend of Alexander Farfan - the one in charge of holding hostages. She was arrested and acused by the federal court in Washington of providing material support to a terrorist organization.

source: www.colombiareports.com/colombia-news/news/6675-farc-guerrilla-wanted-by-us-captured.html

The International Criminal Court warning

By Andrea

Recently, Colombia ratified a full cooperation with the International Criminal Court (ICC). As a result, the ICC now has jurisdiction over many crimes committed in the country’s violent conflict including killings, forced displacement, torture, use of child soldiers, sexual violence…Furthermore, on Friday, 30th October 2009 the ICC warned both Colombian illegal armed groups and the country´s government that it will not hesitate to prosecute those responsible for the war crimes.

According to Marcelo Pollack, head of Amnesty International Columbia, "although there has been progress in some emblematic human rights cases, mainly because of international pressure, most abuses remain unpunished." Thus, the ICC will now hear accusations of war crimes that have been committed in Colombia but have never seen justice, in a series of trials beginning on November 1st.

Source: http://colombiareports.com/colombia-news/news/6664-icc-warns-colombian-illegal-armed-groups-and-state-it-will-prosecute.html

The Health Care Reform- "A Grass Roots Movement?"

Just as during his presidential campaign, president Obama and people around him want us to believe that their actions already have mass support, nowadays for the Health care reform. The grass-root supporters, supposedly organically created groups of people who favor the current bill, should be in their own words standing firmly behind Obama. These groups, now mostly ignored as the media focus on law makers and major lobbyists, focus on promoting the policies in their communities and among local political leaders. However, opponents of policies such as the public option are just as active but are more visible; but Obama supporters refuse to be shaken. The OFA, an organisation connected to the Democratic National Committee, boasts to have already 2million people actively supporting Obama's proposal. Still many doubt that such pro-Obama movements are not created artificially by the Obama administration. Even genuine efforts encounter problems - disagreements over details of all the reform proposals and lack of intensity and passion make them lack behind the opposition.

by Lucie S.

Source: CBS News Politics October 7, 2009

The Health Care Reform - "The $1 Trillion Price Tag"

Alongside the Senates attempts at creating a comprehensive Health care bill which is led by Sen. Reid, there is a similar attempt going on in the House of Representatives lead by the Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. On October 23, information regarding the House's bill was leaked. According to this information the price tag should be about $871billion. However, this price excludes such expenses as increased benefits for Medicare and Medicaid, the public option and many others. Therefore, the estimated full price should be more than $1 trillion in the next decade. This is well above the $900 billion limit set by president Obama and it is also questionable whether this plan would not add to the already enormous deficit. This bill holds many similarities to the one worked on in the Senate; it provides coverage to previously uninsured, banns denying coverage for pre-existing conditions, and should slow health care cost growth. The Bill also lifts the exemption the insurance companies previously enjoyed from the anti-trust laws. The House is, as the Senate, still struggling with the issue of public option which some Democrats require and some more conservative Democrats and Republicans refuse. One alternative to this deadlock came from Sen. Snowe, who previously supported the Financial Committee's proposal. She proposed that the government would put up some goals the private insurance companies would have to fulfill and the government would step in only if they failed to do so.

by Lucie S.

Source: Yahoo News/AP October 23, 2009

The Health Care Reform - "Reform after the Financial Committee"

The Financial committee has finally after weeks of debates agreed on a health care reform plan on October 13. Their plan should insure 29million people who as of now do not have insurance and should cost about $829 billion. It is a bill that was created by choosing some out of the hundreds of amendments considered. All Democrats on the committee voted for this plan; however, only one Republican member, Sen.Snowe, was voting favorably as well despite the Financial Committee's decision to cut the public option from the bill.

The responsibility for presenting a bill now shifts to Congress where under the Democrat Harry Reid the Democrats will try to form a Bill that will gain support in Congress. The goal for Reid is not only to form a bill that will get passed by the Senate but also to do so by the end of this year and at a cost below $900 billion. However, to gain agreement by both the Senate and House Representatives might get tricky. As much as both chambers and both parties agree on some aspects of the reform - limiting expenses and guaranteeing insurance for pre-existing conditions, there are many divisive aspects of it as well with the main issue being the public option. The Finance Committee opted for a non-governmental health care co-option. The Health Committee on the other hand promotes a massive government run insurance option that should push down the costs of private insurance companies. Moreover, the Democrats in the House of Representatives have already stated that they will not support any bill that does not include a public option. Therefore, an agreement on a comprehensive bill is far away and could provide fatal to the whole reform movement.

by Lucie

Source: CNN Politics October 14, 2009

The Health Care Reform - "Cautious Optimism"

The AP-GfK poll from October 1-5 found that the public opinion on Obama's health care proposals took a more favorable turn compared to results sampled in September. This poll shows the public in a 40-40 split, with 20% undecided which is a positive sign for the Democrats as in September the polls hinted at an almost 50% opposition to the plan. About 68% percent of Democrats favored the proposal. However, only 29% of Independents and about 20% of Republicans favor the Democrats' policies. Even with this slightly positive movement in the polls, lawmakers still have many obstacles to overcome. The first order of business is to come up with a united bill to be voted on and then to explain such complex proposal to the public.

by Lucie S.

Source: ABC News Money October 7, 2009

Colombia & U.S. defense pact

By Andrea

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

According to Colombian Defense Minister Gabriel Silva, Colombia is going to sign a controversial security pact with the United States to improve countries’ fight against drug trafficking. The accord should be most likely signed on Friday.

This agreement has been criticized for various reasons. First, it gives U.S. troops access to seven Colombia's bases. Several neighboring leaders, especially the Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, strongly disagree with an American military presence in the region. Then, the accord also grants U.S. troops immunity from criminal prosecution in Colombia.

Nevertheless, Michael Shifter, an expert on Colombia at Washington's Inter-American Dialogue think tank, said that the agreement “is mainly aimed at locking in the Colombia-U.S. relationship for an extended period.” He further asserted that…”There is no sign that it reflects a wider military strategy in the region.”

Source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/27/AR2009102701963.html

The Health Care Reform- "The Businesses' Worries"

The main concern for most business owners are nowadays the costs of providing health care coverage not only for themselves but also for their employees. So, the new health care is followed by many very closely. But due to the variety and complexity of the bills presented many turn to organizations such as the Small Business Majority, which is one of the national organization working with businesses. They answer questions on the cost of various bills and also form policies they advocate for. Terry Gardiner, national policy director for Small Business Majority, claims that most small businesses can be divided into 2 groups – those who cannot afford insurance for their employees and those who have to reduce benefits due to rising costs of health care. However, not only small businesses suffer from rising health care costs. Large businesses such as Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway cite their health care costs as their fastest rising expenses. In general, businesses not only hope for lower expenses but also for higher premiums from insurance companies. These premiums generally depend on what the difference on insurance paid and claims issued was in the past year and can be used by businesses on wellness and prevention programs for employees. Therefore, for businesses the health care reform is not only about profitability but also about the ability to provide insurance, especially with the considered mandatory clause, which would make businesses responsible for providing health care for its employees or at least to financially support it.


by Lucie

Sources: Journal Star September 27, 2009

The Health Care Reform - "The Big Impact"

The reason why any health care reform proposal in the United States evokes such a passionate response is that the health care related spending in the USA forms over 16% (approximately one 6th) of the total GDP. In the health care sector, not only the insurance companies will be affected by any change; it will be also the pharmaceutical and medical supply companies, hospitals, home health care providers and many others. Furthermore, governmental health care programs make up almost half of the total health care spending (7.5% of the US GDP). Therefore, any change, will translate into the economy itself and every party involved wants to get the best deal out of any reform. This added to the comprehensiveness of the bill and political power struggles makes passing such bills a daunting task everybody wants to have a say in.

By Lucie S.

Source: News Briefing Septemeber 29, 2009

Gustavo Moncayo's reunion with his son

By Andrea

Sunday 25 October 2009

Gustavo Moncayo prays for being reunited with his son who was seized by guerillas 12 years ago. Ever since his son was taken prisoner in late December 1997, Moncayo refused to give up and started a controversial campaign to free his son. After nine years of unsucessfull pleading for Pablo Moncayo's release, his father driven by dispair wrapped himself in chains and embarked on a marathon walk that made him a national hero for many.

He walked the 707 miles (1,138 km) from Sandoná to Bogotá in order to raise the case of Pablo with Alvaro Uribe, the conservative president of Colombia. Although his meeting with Uribe ended as an unsuccessful exchange of views on how to deal with the guerrilla organisation, Moncayo kept on walking. As a result, he won the national peace prize in 2007.

Furthermore, in the past three years Moncayo has shaken hands with presidents, American congressmen, NGO workers and human rights activists, and succeeded in gaining a 10-minute audience with the pope. Due to his father's actions, Pablo's case became very visible by high number of mass media.

Last month a video of Pablo Moncayo was released by the guerrillas, accompanied by an announcement that his release was imminent. According to Senator Córdoba, the hope now is that Pablo might be released by the end of this month. His father's reaction was following; "I feel anxious, I'm crossing my fingers, praying, thinking of that moment of meeting him and how I can control my feelings. I am expecting him like the day he was born."

Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/oct/25/colombia-farc-pablo-moncayo-release

The Health Care Reform – “The Obama Plan”

What is one of the biggest battles in modern history of the US? - The attempt to reform the health care system. What to do with the 30 million uninsured citizens sparks a heated debate with most agreeing that the current system is in need of a major overhaul. However, the inability to agree on how to reform and what to reform has already proven fatal to the reform of Bill Clinton's administration. Nowadays there is a new reform initiative on the way led by Barack Obama.

The new proposal was officially introduced on Wednesday September 9 by president Obama at a joined session of Congress. The main reasoning for his proposal was the rising cost of health care which he quoted as costing almost twice as much as in other developed countries. His main goals are long term cost reduction, protection of families from bankruptcies caused by health care costs, expansion of choices of coverage providers, increased investment in prevention, providing medical coverage also for pre-existing medical conditions and most importantly, providing health care coverage for all. This plan should bring significant advantages to the consumers of health care – insurance companies should not be able to deny coverage due to pre-existing conditions and there should be no limit on the amount of coverage one can receive, there should be a limit set to how much a patient will pay for his treatment and finally, routine check-ups and prevention should be covered at no extra cost.

However, as nice as Obama’s plan may sound, there are several controversies connected with his plan. The first issue many people have with this plan is the obligation to be insured which Americans are not used to. To help achieve full coverage, businesses would be required to either to offer coverage to its employees or to contribute to it. For people who would still not be able to afford it there should be a so called “hardship waiver”. The second issue is whether there should be a public option or not. Along with issues such as abortion and illegal immigrants’ coverage the main problem for passing of this bill will probably be the cost of such reforms. Obama boldly promises that his health care plan will not add to the US government deficit. All costs should be made up in savings in the current system – basically, the system should pay for itself. Waste and inefficiency reduction in Medicare and Medicaid along with revenues from drug and insurance companies should pay for the plan.

Whether this plan will be ultimately passed is a big question. Drug and insurance companies, opposition and also many Democrats have objections to this plan. And with the falling public support for Mr. Obama passing a bill before the next Congressional election might not be viable even with Obama trying to do everything, including using Edward Kennedy’s name, to support this bill.

By Lucie S.

Sources:
White House.gov
CNN Edition September 10, 2009

President Barack Obama declares national emergency

President Barack Obama declared national emergency because of the Swine flu. According to statistics more than 1,000 people have died from the Swine flu in U.S. and 20,000 are in hospitals. The proclamation signed by Barack Obama will help to speed up the emergency response operations in case of a rapid increase of a spread of disease which may overburden health care resources.

By Kristýna

Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/barackobama/6425359/President-Barack-Obama-declares-national-emergency-over-H1N1-swine-flu-outbreak.html

Swine flu - first victim in Czech Republic

Swine flu has claimed its first victim in Czech Republic. 31 years old woman in Karlovy Vary died in the hospital. Her condition was already serious when she came to the hospital. She died after multiple organ failure.

By Kristýna

Source: http://www.radio.cz/en/article/121518

The Health Care Reform - "The Dangers of Obama's Appeal"

President Obama has been calling for a comprehensive health care reform passed by the end of the year; however, Obama's heavy involvement could mean the downfall of the reform. The Senate Democrats have only the minimum majority in the Senate - currently the Democrats and loyal Independents control 60 out of the 100 seats and they will need all of these votes to pass the health care bill. However, not only the wording of the bill itself could provide a challenge but Obama's involvement as well. Some of the Senators face re-election next year and their main concern is to be re-elected and voting for such a controversial measure as the health care bill could hinder that. For example Sen. Blanche Lincoln from Arkansas and Sen. Mary Landrieu of Louisiana will be competing in states where Barack Obama lost to John McCain by around 20 percentage points and such states do not tend to favor any kind of public option; in Lincoln's words: "I've ruled out a government-funded and a government-operated plan." On the other hand there are those who have nothing to lose such as Sen. Roland Burris who said: "I would not support a bill that does not have a public option." Furthermore, some Senators are hoping for favors for their states and help during their campaign in exchange for an affirmative vote. All in all, the Senate still has a long way to go before any vote can pass.

by Lucie


Source: AP/Yahoo News! October 22, 2009

Military commanders to be held responsible for killing civilians

By Andrea



Thursday, 22 October, 2009


According to the Colombian's Supreme Court ruling, Armed Forces commanders whose soldiers are found guilty of murdering civilians will have to respond for the crimes committed under their command. The Supreme Court ordered to investigate the commander of a counterguerrilla batallion whose soldiers killed civilians and reported their victims as guerrillas killed in combat.

By now, over 1,300 members of the armed forces are under the suspiccion of kiling cilivilians.


http://www.colombiareports.com/colombia-news/news/6513-military-commanders-will-have-to-respond-for-extrajudicial-executions-supreme-court.html

OAS Report

By Andrea

Wednesday, 21 October 2009
In its latest report to the Organization of American States (OAS), the Mission to Support the Peace Process in Colombia acknowledged the significant progress made by the Colombian government in terms of improving the safety of the country. Although massacres, selective killings and mass displacements still remain a matter of great concern, the achievement of the peace process shall not be neglected.

Source: http://colombiareports.com/colombia-news/news/6509-oas-report-highlights-advances-in-colombian-peace-process.html

NBA protects players against swine flu

League officials hired an expert in infectious-disease control. Teams across the NBA have made provisions to guard players against the swine flu because having one player get sick or several role players become ill could hurt a team's performance so NBA is in constant communication with it's teams about this topic.

By Kristýna

Source: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orl-sportsmagic-12101209oct12,0,2319079.story

FARC relaunches its attack on Cauca

By Andrea

WEDNESDAY, 21 OCTOBER 2009

The FARC (the guerrilla Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) has relaunched its attack on the Cauca police station with the intent to gain control over the area. The armed conflict started at around 10pm Tuesday night and continued until around 4.00 am Wednesday morning.

The situation is so severe in some parts of Cauca that 45 per cent of Cauca residents are at some level of risk of having to flee.

Army units, supported by the Air Force, are hunting down the rebels responsible for the harassment. The police, meanwhile, are conducting patrols in the downtown area to ensure safety.

Source: http://colombiareports.com/colombia-news/news/6503-the-farc-relaunches-its-attack-on-cauca.html

By Andrea

20 October 2009
"Human rights groups are urging the Obama administration to work to ensure that Colombia's government protects activists in the country. Rights organizations and Colombian activists told a U.S. congressional panel that the situation in Colombia has deteriorated, with activists facing increasing threats, including physical attacks and assassination." Quoted by Dan Robinson, VOA News.

Source: http://www.voanews.com/english/2009-10-20-voa58.cfm

Colombian human rights activist seriously injured in gun attack

By Andrea

19 October 2009
According to an Amnesty International report, the invaluable work carried out by human rights defenders in Colombia shall not be overseen. Islena Rey, President of the Meta Human Rights Civic Committee, was travelling by boat along the Guejar river when embers of the guerrilla Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) reportedly opened fire, seriously injuring her. As Marcelo Pollack, an Amnesty International’s researcher on Colombia, further noted; “Hundreds of activists are still the target of threats and killings at the hands of all the parties to the conflict; be they the security forces, paramilitaries or guerrilla groups. No one us providing them with effective protection.”

Source: http://www.amnestyusa.org/document.php?id=ENGNAU2009101913580&lang=e&rss=recentnews

Swine flu vaccination starts today in Wales

For the next few weeks, people in the priority at-risk groups will be invited for vaccination. The Welsh Assembly Government today said that vaccines will be used to protect about 750,000 people in Wales.

By Kristýna

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mZWXRu9jUs&feature=player_embedded#

Source: http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2009/10/21/swine-flu-vaccination-starts-today-in-wales-91466-24982276/

Strike over swine flu preparation

The nurses in California has threatened a one-day strike on October 30 accusing the providers of poor swine flu preparedness. They will strike if state and federal swine flu protection recommendations aren't written into their contracts. Nurses have complained about poor access to protective masks.

By Kristýna

Source: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5g-vDyxJRZwMdkbF9Wo7naTzgzRswD9BEF9UG1

Plan Colombia

By Andrea

On Friday, October 16th, 2009, Colombia’s Minister of Defense, Gabriel Silva Luján, spoke out in defense of the results Plan Colombia has produced in the fight against drug trafficking and terrorism. He said that those who’ve moved to modify it in the United States’ House of Representatives for it’s supposed failure are mistaken. Besides, he pointed out that thousands of Colombians have benefited from the Plan implemmented in the year 2000.

Source: http://www.ecbloguer.com/globalnewsroom/?tag=gabriel-silva-lujan-mindefensa

Arrest warrant derails Colombia-Ecuador talks

By Andrea

“After nearly going to war last year over a Colombian military raid inside Ecuador, the two nations seemed to be patching relations when their foreign ministers met a few weeks ago. Then an Ecuadorian judge issued an arrest warrant this week for the head of the Colombian armed forces, pushing relations back one giant step. Colombian Gen. Freddy Padilla, the armed forces chief whose arrest is sought, canceled a meeting scheduled for Friday with Ecuadorian Gen. Fabian Varela. Padilla thought he might be arrested if he traveled to Ecuador.“
Quoted from Arthur Brice, CNN. Sat October 17, 2009.

Source: http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/americas/10/17/colombia.ecuador.relations/index.html

Colombia & Ecuador diplomatic relationship

By Andrea

Colombia and Ecuador are known as governments with different and radical positions. Ecuadorian president Rafael Correa has resented the Colombian government’s attempt to violate his territory. Furthermore, he has had issues particularly with Alvaro Uribe, who lied to him on the day the Colombian army bombed FARC chief Raul Reyes’s camp. Uribe, on the other hand, was still raging because even though he recognized the violation of Ecuador’s sovereignty, he felt he was not attacking the people or the government of Ecuador. He believed that he was attacking his internal enemy, the guerrilla, who was being tolerated on the other side of the border.

On Friday, October 9th, 2009, the Foreign Relations Ministers of Colombia and Ecuador, Jaime Bermúdez and Fander Falconí, met in Ipiales, Nariño, in order to rebuild the trust between the two nations as a way to restore the diplomatic relationship. The meetings resulted in an agreement between the two countries. Accordingly, Colombia promised to refrain from carrying out military operations in Ecuador. Ecuador; on the other hand, would combat illegal groups within its territory.

Source: http://www.ecbloguer.com/globalnewsroom/?p=6228

First Swine Flu Camapign in China

The first vaccination campaign begins in Beijing. The ministry plan to vaccinate 65 million people by the end of this year. The groups with top priority are students, military, police, transit workers and people with heart and lung diseases.

By Kristýna

Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/22/world/asia/22briefs-Swine.html?_r=2&scp=2&sq=swine%20flu&st=cse

The Health Care Reform - "The Women's Stake"

The Democrats in an attempt to gain wider support for their health care reform bill started in a greater extent targeting women. Speeches and conferences are led by House Democrats under the lead of Nancy Pelosi and also by Michelle Obama. The reason for this effort is that a great number of women remain undecided. The proponents of the reform argue that women have a special stake in the reform because they have lower incomes than men, have higher health care costs and since they work more part-time than men they are less likely to get insurance through an employer.

by Lucie

Source:
SF Gate Chronicle October 9, 2009
The Kansas City Star September 27, 2009

Kidnap victims in Colombia

By Andrea

Kidnapping became one of the crimes most Colombians fear. Furthermore, for many years a high number of kidnap victims represented the extent of violence in the country. The reason for that is the fact that at the end of the 90s kidnappings became uncontrollable. Guerrillas used it for financing their activities as well as for fighting a political war in the country. Besides, it also became a profitable business leading to organized massive kidnappings all over the country.

Nonetheless, it is often being overseen that a turnover came in the past decade. During the last years, the situation in the country has significantly improved. Accordingly, kidnappings decreased dramatically due to democratic security policies; 89% according to official figures. Thus, the estimates of some NGOs assuming thousands of kidnap victims in Columbia would rather seem unreasonable.

Source: http://www.semana.com/noticias-print-edition/how-many-kidnap-victims-does-colombia-have/123183.aspx

Tunisia banned people travel to Mecca because of the Swine flu

Tunisians have been banned from performing this year's hajj, the annual Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, amid growing concerns about the swine flu pandemic. Tunisia is not the only country with this restriction. In July, Arab health ministers had proposed a ban on children, the elderly and those with chronic medical conditions in their countries from performing this year's hajj without canceling the whole ritual. In August, Iranians were banned from attending the holy places in Saudi Arabia during fasting month of Ramadan, which took place following peak flu season.

By Kristýna

Vaccination

Vaccine for Swine Flu Is Ahead of Expectations in New York

More than three million doses of swine flu vaccine will be available by the first week of October.
But nearly all those 3.4 million doses will be of the FluMist nasal spray type, which is not recommended for pregnant women, people over 50 or those with asthma, heart disease or several other problems.
Nonetheless, it will still be possible to vaccinate people in other high-risk groups: health care workers, people caring for infants and healthy young people.
The nasal spray contains a weakened live virus, while injections contain killed and fragmented virus. The spray gives a stronger immune reaction but carries a small risk that the virus will multiply too quickly in people with compromised immunity.
Swine flu cases are rapidly increasing across the country, the officials said. There is now “widespread” flu activity in 21 states.

By Kristýna

Swine flu

What is 2009 H1N1 (swine flu)?


Swine flu, now called H1N1 influenza A, is a type of flu virus. It is a new strain of flu that has just recently been affecting people. It is a human influenza virus and is being spread by people. It is thought to be a combination of three different flu viruses - swine flu, bird flu and human flu. The new strain is extremely contagious and is quickly spreading across the globe. The swine flu has similar symptoms to standard seasonal flu bugs. Swine flu is characterized by a high fever at first and extreme fatigue along with muscle aches. There are also typical cold symptoms. Anyone who has the symptoms should seek medical attention right away. Those who get immediate treatment are most likely going to make a full recovery.


Current situation (the beginning of October):
Worldwide H1N1 (Swine Flu) Infection Data

Worldwide Total: 434299 cases, 4931 deaths

Most Infected Countries:
United States: 44555 cases
Australia: 36670 cases
Mexico: 32950 cases

There you can find the map with information about current situation:
http://healthmap.org/swineflu/

Video about swine flu, explanation what it is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFl3FRNpU4E

By Kristýna