Obama says U.S. to strengthen ties with Argentina

Obama says U.S. to strengthen ties with Argentina
U.S. President Barack Obama has said his country will strengthen relations with Argentina after Cristina Fernandez began her second term as Argentine president last week.

In an interview with Argentine newspaper La Nacion published Monday, Obama said closer bilateral ties will help the two countries "to achieve even more."

The United States and Argentina will openly discuss new challenges of the bilateral relations in a responsible way to be sure that any disagreement can be effectively resolved, the report cited Obama as saying.

Obama also said he hopes Argentina will deepen cooperation with the international community in countering terrorism, curbing drug smuggling and tackling the Iranian nuclear issue.

Obama and Fernandez met at a G20 summit in Cannes, France, in November when they discussed cooperation in science, technology and energy.

During the meeting, the two leaders promised to expand cooperation in the peaceful use of the space and joint research on global climate change, the report said.

The countries will also work to promote the use of clean and safe energy, especially nuclear energy, shale gas and wind power, the report said.

Obama also urged Argentina to normalize its relations with international creditors and pay its debt in order to attract more investment, according to the report.

It will be beneficial for both countries if Argentina honors its obligations with its creditors, Obama said.

Argentina's foreign debt totalled 132.5 billion U.S. dollars at the end of June this year, equivalent to 32.2 percent of the South American country's gross domestic product, according to the Argentine central bank.

Editor: An

English.news.cn   2011-12-13 10:30:36              
BUENOS AIRES, Dec. 12 (Xinhua)

Brazil's Lula had 75 pct of tumor removed: doctor

Brazil's Lula had 75 pct of tumor removed: doctor
Former Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Monday had 75 percent of his tumor removed after his third and final round of chemotherapy against a throat cancer.

A medical team led by doctor Roberto Kalil Filho hailed the treatment as "impressive" and said the ex-leader will be considered "cured" only if there is no recurrence in five years. The tumor was discovered in October.

However, the doctors also said the surgery would affect Lula's vocal chords and ruled out the tumor's complete shrinkage. Lula's speech ability would not be affected, though.

He is expected to undergo a radiotherapy treatment in January.

Lula, upbeat after the treatment and planning to return to politics in March, said "I am very optimistic."

Editor: An

English.news.cn   2011-12-13 10:20:29              
RIO DE JANEIRO, Dec. 12 (Xinhua)

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff

Brazilian leader ramps up anti-drug pitch
Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff on Monday touted a recently-launched plan aimed at cracking down on drug trafficking and rehabilitating drug addicts.

"We will guarantee care and treatment to addicts, who need support to beat their addiction. We will severely crack down on drug trafficking and organized crime in the entire country," the president said in her weekly radio address.

She said the number of beds for recovering drug addicts in public hospitals will be increased, and the number of public clinics which offer medical and psychological treatment to drug addicts will rise from 26 to 574 by 2014, through partnership programs with private institutions.

Rousseff also said the government will get tougher on drug dealers and smash criminal gangs.

"We will fight criminal groups with increasing rigor, to prevent the entry of drugs into our country," she said.

Editor: An

English.news.cn   2011-12-13 10:12:30              
RIO DE JANEIRO, Dec. 12 (Xinhua)