The center-left government of President Alberto Fernandez hopes to raise about $3 billion from taxing the richest 12,000 of Argentina's 44 million inhabitants.

Argentina's 'millionaire tax' comes into effect; Watch this report

Palaeontologists in Argentina have unearthed the fossilized remains of what could be the largest dinosaur to ever roam the planet some 98-million years ago.

Dinosaur remains found in Argentina could be world's largest

It was just two years ago that the organizers of a stirring women’s movement in Argentina were handed what felt like a bitter loss, their efforts to legalize abortion rejected in the Senate after intense lobbying by the Catholic Church.

This week, after their efforts culminated in a landmark vote to make Argentina the largest Latin American country to legalize abortion, it became clear that the loss was a vital step in further changing the conversation around feminism in their country.

“We managed to break the prejudice, and the discussion became a lot less dramatic,” said Lucila Crexell, who was among the senators who voted to legalize abortion Wednesday. She was one of two lawmakers to abstain in the 2018 vote. “Society at large started to understand the debate in more moderate, less fanatic terms.”

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-president-bolsonaro-slams-argentina-abortion-law-353529">Brazil President Bolsonaro slams Argentina abortion law</a>

The shift was visible on the street: What started as a series of marches by young women had, over the past few years, started looking like a truly national movement. Older women joined the demonstrations, and men, too. Blue-collar workers joined with professionals in marching, and rural campaigners linked hands with the movement’s urban base.

They came to support a movement that formally began in 2015 in outrage over the killing of women — its name is Ni Una Menos,&nbsp;or not one woman less — and began focusing its message on the toll that underground abortions were taking.

But the seeds of its success were planted more than a generation ago, in the campaigns by mothers and grandmothers of the disappeared that helped usher out years of military juntas in Argentina in the 1980s. When abortion rights activists of the past few years waved their signature green handkerchiefs, they were following in the footsteps of those Argentine women, who protested the generals’ abuses by wearing white handkerchiefs.

“Argentina has a well-established tradition when it comes to popular organizing and mobilizations,” said Elizabeth Gómez Alcorta, Argentina’s minister of women, gender and diversity. “The street, as we call it, has a powerful effect in the conquest of rights.”

In 2010, Congress approved same-sex marriage, making Argentina the first country in Latin America to confer a right that many in the region now have. Two years later, Argentina approved one of the world’s most progressive gender identity laws. Both of those issues gained traction through street activism.

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Women have also gained a critical mass in Congress, able to shape the debate over abortion rights, since a quota law first reserved one-third of legislative seats for them in the 1990s, and was later expanded to require parity.

In this latest vote, and victory, legislators framed abortion rights as a matter of social justice and of public health — dozens of women die a year seeking abortions, according to Argentina’s Access to Safe Abortion Network.

Lawmakers who changed their votes this time around to support legalization acknowledged that such framing had a big effect.

“We’re going through a shift in paradigm, and this change is led by the feminist and environmental fights,” said Silvina García Larraburu, a senator from the southern Rio Negro province who voted against legalization in 2018 but for it this time. “Beyond my personal position, of my beliefs, we are faced with a problem that requires a public health approach.”

That framing also made the effort politically palatable for President Alberto Fernández, a leftist law professor elected in 2019, to make legalizing abortion a campaign promise and an early legislative priority.

“In Argentina, safe abortion exists for those who can pay for it,” said Vilma Ibarra, the president’s legal and technical secretary, who drafted the bill. “Those who can’t must go through very difficult conditions.”

Argentine feminists took up the cause of abortion rights as far back as the 1980s, but the issue found little political traction at a time when democracy itself seemed fragile in the aftermath of the military dictatorship, and when religious conservatism had a heavy hold on public debate.

The formal campaign began in 2005, with the foundation of the National Campaign for the Right to Legal, Safe and Free Abortion,&nbsp;a leaderless umbrella organization that had legalization as its singular goal.

They presented a first bill in 2008 — only to have it shunned by the vast majority of lawmakers, who were afraid that being associated with the subject could hurt them politically without delivering results, since it was seen as having no chance of passage against the Catholic Church’s lobbying.

“Many said they agreed, but refused to put their signature on the bill,” said Julia Martino, an activist who helped lead that effort.

Feminist groups continued to present abortion bills every two years, hoping to keep the issue alive. But it was a string of particular brutal murders of women, including that of a 14-year-old pregnant teenager in 2015, that turbocharged their long-shot quest and spurred the creation of Ni Una Menos.

Their effort galvanized many women in Argentina, setting off massive street demonstrations and leading to a broad reckoning on sexism, gender parity and women’s rights that began to reach other Latin American nations.

When abortion-rights campaigners in Buenos Aires held a demonstration to support legalization in late 2017, they were stunned by the turnout.

“What happened with the movement is that it started increasing in number and gaining different voices,” said Claudia Piñeiro, a writer and abortion-rights activist.

Dora Barrancos, 80, a government sociologist who was among the women who championed the issue during the 1980s, said this new generation built “an insurrection that is infectious.”

The rallying cries during massive street demonstrations were often brash and defiant. “Down with the patriarchy, which is going to fall! It’s going to fall!” one popular chant went. “Long live feminism, which will triumph! It will triumph!”

Timing also worked in the abortion legalization effort’s favor.

The Ni Una Menos movement had already pushed women’s rights into the national political conversation in 2017, when Argentina passed a law expanding the quota system in Congress, making way for women to attain full parity in national politics.

That milestone was the work of a coalition of female lawmakers that found, as they strategized on WhatsApp groups and other settings, that they worked well together even across political differences.

The kinship they built fighting for greater female presence in the legislature allowed women to break ranks with male political elders and forge a new form of politics that was cooperative, pragmatic and largely devoid of grandstanding.

“We realized how powerful we are as women when we act in a coordinated fashion,” said Silvia Lospennato, a member of Congress allied with former President Mauricio Macri, a center right leader who opposed abortion.

“We all contributed, in a way of doing politics that is very anomalous and is completely different from the way men do politics,” Lospennato said.

Having prevailed on parity, many female lawmakers saw a path to legalizing abortion in 2018. The effort swelled into a national movement, but fell short in the Senate after heavy campaigning by the Catholic Church — and in particular by Pope Francis, himself Argentine.

The following year, Fernández, who has long supported the right to legal abortion, campaigned for president as a feminist. His campaign poster included a gender neutral version of the word “todos,” which means everyone, in which the letter “o” was replaced by the symbol of the sun.

Once in office, Fernández established a ministry devoted to advancing women’s rights. And he promised that he would put the weight of the executive branch behind the effort to legalize abortion.

“He saw there was a grassroots movement he wanted to seize on,” said Maria Victoria Murillo, a political-science professor at Columbia University, who is from Argentina. “Argentine politicians are very attuned to street movements.”

Fernández celebrated the victory in the Senate, where the measure passed by a broader margin than many, in the chamber and beyond, had anticipated.

“Safe, legal and free abortion is the law,” he said on Twitter. “Today we are a better society.”

It was just two years ago that the organizers of a stirring women’s movement in Argentina were handed what felt like a bitter loss, their efforts to legalize abortion rejected in the Senate after intense lobbying by the Catholic Church.

It was just two years ago that the organizers of a stirring women’s movement in Argentina were handed what felt like a bitter loss, their efforts to legalize abortion rejected in the Senate after intense lobbying by the Catholic Church. This week, after their efforts culminated in a landmark vote to make Argentina the largest Latin American country to legalize abortion, it became clear that the loss was a vital step in further changing the conversation around feminism in their country. “We managed to break the prejudice, and the discussion became a lot less dramatic,” said Lucila Crexell, who was among the senators who voted to legalize abortion Wednesday. She was one of two lawmakers to abstain in the 2018 vote. “Society at large started to understand the debate in more moderate, less fanatic terms.” Also read| Brazil President Bolsonaro slams Argentina abortion law The shift was visible on the street: What started as a series of marches by young women had, over the past few years, started looking like a truly national movement. Older women joined the demonstrations, and men, too. Blue-collar workers joined with professionals in marching, and rural campaigners linked hands with the movement’s urban base. They came to support a movement that formally began in 2015 in outrage over the killing of women — its name is Ni Una Menos, or not one woman less — and began focusing its message on the toll that underground abortions were taking. But the seeds of its success were planted more than a generation ago, in the campaigns by mothers and grandmothers of the disappeared that helped usher out years of military juntas in Argentina in the 1980s. When abortion rights activists of the past few years waved their signature green handkerchiefs, they were following in the footsteps of those Argentine women, who protested the generals’ abuses by wearing white handkerchiefs. “Argentina has a well-established tradition when it comes to popular organizing and mobilizations,” said Elizabeth Gómez Alcorta, Argentina’s minister of women, gender and diversity. “The street, as we call it, has a powerful effect in the conquest of rights.” In 2010, Congress approved same-sex marriage, making Argentina the first country in Latin America to confer a right that many in the region now have. Two years later, Argentina approved one of the world’s most progressive gender identity laws. Both of those issues gained traction through street activism. WATCH| × Women have also gained a critical mass in Congress, able to shape the debate over abortion rights, since a quota law first reserved one-third of legislative seats for them in the 1990s, and was later expanded to require parity. In this latest vote, and victory, legislators framed abortion rights as a matter of social justice and of public health — dozens of women die a year seeking abortions, according to Argentina’s Access to Safe Abortion Network. Lawmakers who changed their votes this time around to support legalization acknowledged that such framing had a big effect. “We’re going through a shift in paradigm, and this change is led by the feminist and environmental fights,” said Silvina García Larraburu, a senator from the southern Rio Negro province who voted against legalization in 2018 but for it this time. “Beyond my personal position, of my beliefs, we are faced with a problem that requires a public health approach.” That framing also made the effort politically palatable for President Alberto Fernández, a leftist law professor elected in 2019, to make legalizing abortion a campaign promise and an early legislative priority. “In Argentina, safe abortion exists for those who can pay for it,” said Vilma Ibarra, the president’s legal and technical secretary, who drafted the bill. “Those who can’t must go through very difficult conditions.” Argentine feminists took up the cause of abortion rights as far back as the 1980s, but the issue found little political traction at a time when democracy itself seemed fragile in the aftermath of the military dictatorship, and when religious conservatism had a heavy hold on public debate. The formal campaign began in 2005, with the foundation of the National Campaign for the Right to Legal, Safe and Free Abortion, a leaderless umbrella organization that had legalization as its singular goal. They presented a first bill in 2008 — only to have it shunned by the vast majority of lawmakers, who were afraid that being associated with the subject could hurt them politically without delivering results, since it was seen as having no chance of passage against the Catholic Church’s lobbying. “Many said they agreed, but refused to put their signature on the bill,” said Julia Martino, an activist who helped lead that effort. Feminist groups continued to present abortion bills every two years, hoping to keep the issue alive. But it was a string of particular brutal murders of women, including that of a 14-year-old pregnant teenager in 2015, that turbocharged their long-shot quest and spurred the creation of Ni Una Menos. Their effort galvanized many women in Argentina, setting off massive street demonstrations and leading to a broad reckoning on sexism, gender parity and women’s rights that began to reach other Latin American nations. When abortion-rights campaigners in Buenos Aires held a demonstration to support legalization in late 2017, they were stunned by the turnout. “What happened with the movement is that it started increasing in number and gaining different voices,” said Claudia Piñeiro, a writer and abortion-rights activist. Dora Barrancos, 80, a government sociologist who was among the women who championed the issue during the 1980s, said this new generation built “an insurrection that is infectious.” The rallying cries during massive street demonstrations were often brash and defiant. “Down with the patriarchy, which is going to fall! It’s going to fall!” one popular chant went. “Long live feminism, which will triumph! It will triumph!” Timing also worked in the abortion legalization effort’s favor. The Ni Una Menos movement had already pushed women’s rights into the national political conversation in 2017, when Argentina passed a law expanding the quota system in Congress, making way for women to attain full parity in national politics. That milestone was the work of a coalition of female lawmakers that found, as they strategized on WhatsApp groups and other settings, that they worked well together even across political differences. The kinship they built fighting for greater female presence in the legislature allowed women to break ranks with male political elders and forge a new form of politics that was cooperative, pragmatic and largely devoid of grandstanding. “We realized how powerful we are as women when we act in a coordinated fashion,” said Silvia Lospennato, a member of Congress allied with former President Mauricio Macri, a center right leader who opposed abortion. “We all contributed, in a way of doing politics that is very anomalous and is completely different from the way men do politics,” Lospennato said. Having prevailed on parity, many female lawmakers saw a path to legalizing abortion in 2018. The effort swelled into a national movement, but fell short in the Senate after heavy campaigning by the Catholic Church — and in particular by Pope Francis, himself Argentine. The following year, Fernández, who has long supported the right to legal abortion, campaigned for president as a feminist. His campaign poster included a gender neutral version of the word “todos,” which means everyone, in which the letter “o” was replaced by the symbol of the sun. Once in office, Fernández established a ministry devoted to advancing women’s rights. And he promised that he would put the weight of the executive branch behind the effort to legalize abortion. “He saw there was a grassroots movement he wanted to seize on,” said Maria Victoria Murillo, a political-science professor at Columbia University, who is from Argentina. “Argentine politicians are very attuned to street movements.” Fernández celebrated the victory in the Senate, where the measure passed by a broader margin than many, in the chamber and beyond, had anticipated. “Safe, legal and free abortion is the law,” he said on Twitter. “Today we are a better society.”

How support for legal abortion went mainstream in Argentina

Argentine Senate have approved Bill to legalise abortion up to the 14th week of pregnancy. The decision came after years of organizing within the Argentine abortion-rights movement.

Argentina Senate approves Bill to legalise abortion

Argentina's historic abortion law which was considered to be triumph for women rights campaigner. But the decision doesn't settle well with right wing president of Brazil, Bolsonaro said, 'abortion never be approved on our soil'.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro slams Argentina's historic abortion law

Argentina has become the first major Latin American country to legalise abortion despite opposition from the Catholic Church. Will more countries follow? WION's Palki Sharma brings you a report

Gravitas: Argentina legalises abortion

Abortion in Argentina is currently only permitted when a pregnancy results from rape, or if a pregnancy endangers the life or health of the woman

Argentina's Senate to vote on historic bill to legalise abortion

Argentina became the largest country in Latin America to legalise abortion

Argentina has become one of only a handful of South American nations to legalise abortion, after hours of debate in the Senate.

Thousands of pro-choice activists cheered Wednesday in the streets of the capital after the Senate approved the bill 38 to 29, with one abstention.

Earlier in the day, both pro-choice and anti-abortion -- gathered outside Buenos Aires' parliament despite coronavirus fears.

South America has some of the most restrictive abortion laws in the world. In Argentina, terminations are currently allowed in only two instances: rape, and danger to the mother's life.&nbsp;

The landmark law would legalise voluntary abortions at up to 14 weeks.

The highly-anticipated session was opened Tuesday by Senate president Cristina Kirchner, who is also Argentina's vice-president.

Kirchner, a former two-term president, said there were 67 of the 72 senators present when the session opened either in person or by video link.

The bill was proposed by President Alberto Fernandez and passed the Chamber of Deputies on December 11, despite fierce opposition from the Catholic Church and evangelical Christians.

Pro-choice activists have campaigned for years to change the abortion laws that date from 1921, adopting a green scarf as their symbol.

Earlier on Wednesday Pope Francis, who is Argentine, tweeted: "The son of God was born discarded to tell us that every person discarded is a child of God."

(with inputs)

Argentina has become one of only a handful of South American nations to legalise abortion, after hours of debate in the Senate. Thousands of pro-choice activists cheered Wednesday in the streets of the capital after the Senate approved the bill 38 to 29, with one abstention.

Argentina has become one of only a handful of South American nations to legalise abortion, after hours of debate in the Senate. Thousands of pro-choice activists cheered Wednesday in the streets of the capital after the Senate approved the bill 38 to 29, with one abstention. Earlier in the day, both pro-choice and anti-abortion -- gathered outside Buenos Aires' parliament despite coronavirus fears. South America has some of the most restrictive abortion laws in the world. In Argentina, terminations are currently allowed in only two instances: rape, and danger to the mother's life. The landmark law would legalise voluntary abortions at up to 14 weeks. The highly-anticipated session was opened Tuesday by Senate president Cristina Kirchner, who is also Argentina's vice-president. Kirchner, a former two-term president, said there were 67 of the 72 senators present when the session opened either in person or by video link. The bill was proposed by President Alberto Fernandez and passed the Chamber of Deputies on December 11, despite fierce opposition from the Catholic Church and evangelical Christians. Pro-choice activists have campaigned for years to change the abortion laws that date from 1921, adopting a green scarf as their symbol. Earlier on Wednesday Pope Francis, who is Argentine, tweeted: "The son of God was born discarded to tell us that every person discarded is a child of God." (with inputs)

Argentine Senate approves bill to legalise abortion

Argentina has officially launched COVID-19&nbsp;vaccinations with Russia's Sputnik V shots on Tuesday, the local government reported. The news has come a few days after the&nbsp;Russia health ministry approved the vaccine for people over the age of 60.

A few days after the announcement, Russia started transporting its first big international shipment, which was almost&nbsp;300,000 doses to Argentina. however, the shipment&nbsp;consisted only of the first dose of the two-shot vaccine, which is easier to make than the second dose.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-reports-first-six-cases-of-mutant-coronavirus-from-britain-353077" hreflang="en">India reports first six cases of mutant coronavirus from Britain</a>

"We are going to have to keep taking care of ourselves. It will take a few months for the vaccine to have a widespread effect," said&nbsp;&nbsp;Health Minister Gines Gonzalez Garcia.

This news has attracted criticism from the locals in Russia who feel more doses should have been first available or the Russians rather than being shipped off to Argentina this week.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-reports-first-case-of-new-coronavirus-strain-that-emerged-in-south-africa-353072" hreflang="en">Japan reports first case of new coronavirus strain that emerged in South Africa</a>

While Argentina has received and started rolling out 300,000 doses, some regions of Rusia are reporting to have received only 2,000 doses or less than that till now.

This is Argentina's second coronavirus vaccine, which has been brought into action a few days after the elderly people of the country were administered the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-mutation-tracker-new-strain-leading-to-chaos-and-confusion-across-the-globe-353019" hreflang="en">Coronavirus mutation tracker: New strain leading to chaos across the globe</a>

The vaccination drive began simultaneously around the country with frontline healthcare workers given priority. Argentina has also become the first country in Ámericas'to use Russia's Sputnik V vaccine.

The Sputnik V vaccine was being hailed as the first COVID-19 vaccine but has since failed to gain the momentum similar to the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, which was first approved by the Uk and other countries followed the footsteps.

Argentina has officially launched COVID-19 vaccinations with Russia's Sputnik V shots on Tuesday, the local government reported. The news has come a few days after the Russia health ministry approved the vaccine for people over the age of 60.

Argentina has officially launched COVID-19 vaccinations with Russia's Sputnik V shots on Tuesday, the local government reported. The news has come a few days after the Russia health ministry approved the vaccine for people over the age of 60. A few days after the announcement, Russia started transporting its first big international shipment, which was almost 300,000 doses to Argentina. however, the shipment consisted only of the first dose of the two-shot vaccine, which is easier to make than the second dose. Also read| India reports first six cases of mutant coronavirus from Britain "We are going to have to keep taking care of ourselves. It will take a few months for the vaccine to have a widespread effect," said Health Minister Gines Gonzalez Garcia. This news has attracted criticism from the locals in Russia who feel more doses should have been first available or the Russians rather than being shipped off to Argentina this week. Also read| Japan reports first case of new coronavirus strain that emerged in South Africa While Argentina has received and started rolling out 300,000 doses, some regions of Rusia are reporting to have received only 2,000 doses or less than that till now. This is Argentina's second coronavirus vaccine, which has been brought into action a few days after the elderly people of the country were administered the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine. Also read| Coronavirus mutation tracker: New strain leading to chaos across the globe The vaccination drive began simultaneously around the country with frontline healthcare workers given priority. Argentina has also become the first country in Ámericas'to use Russia's Sputnik V vaccine. The Sputnik V vaccine was being hailed as the first COVID-19 vaccine but has since failed to gain the momentum similar to the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, which was first approved by the Uk and other countries followed the footsteps.

Argentina starts coronavirus vaccine with Russia's Sputnik V

Argentina is on the verge of making as the first major latin american country to legalise abortion

Argentina on brink of historic vote to legalise abortion

Argentina's Senate is due to decide next week on whether to give final approval to a bill that would allow abortion up to fourteenth week of pregnancy. The bill is backed by the government but has divided the society that has close ties with Roman Catholic faith. The bill has already been passed by the lower house of Congress on December 11.

"We have the right to be able to decide about our own lives, about whether we want to have children and, if we want to have them, how many we want to have. If we decide to interrupt the pregnancy, we have the right to do it autonomously and freely," Yamila Picasso, a 33-year-old activist, told Reuters outside Congress, where she was demonstrating.

Picasso is a member of the National Campaign for the Right to Legal, Safe and Free Abortion, which has been demanding the new law for years.

On the other side of the debate is Ana Marmora, a 29-year-old lawyer and journalist who is a spokeswoman for the Young Front, a group that rejects the legalization of abortion.

She told Reuters in an interview at the group's Buenos Aires headquarters that backers of the bill want women to be able to terminate pregnancies not out of need but simple desire.

A similar bill was defeated by Argentina's Congress in 2018. Current law allows for abortion only when there is a serious risk to the mother's health or in the event of rape.

The current bill is to be debated in the Senate on Tuesday next week. It is expected that demonstrations will be held both, for and against the bill.

(With Reuters inputs)

Argentina's Senate is due to decide next week on whether to give final approval to a bill that would allow abortion up to fourteenth week of pregnancy. The bill is backed by the government but has divided the society that has close ties with Roman Catholic faith.

Argentina's Senate is due to decide next week on whether to give final approval to a bill that would allow abortion up to fourteenth week of pregnancy. The bill is backed by the government but has divided the society that has close ties with Roman Catholic faith. The bill has already been passed by the lower house of Congress on December 11. "We have the right to be able to decide about our own lives, about whether we want to have children and, if we want to have them, how many we want to have. If we decide to interrupt the pregnancy, we have the right to do it autonomously and freely," Yamila Picasso, a 33-year-old activist, told Reuters outside Congress, where she was demonstrating. Picasso is a member of the National Campaign for the Right to Legal, Safe and Free Abortion, which has been demanding the new law for years. On the other side of the debate is Ana Marmora, a 29-year-old lawyer and journalist who is a spokeswoman for the Young Front, a group that rejects the legalization of abortion. She told Reuters in an interview at the group's Buenos Aires headquarters that backers of the bill want women to be able to terminate pregnancies not out of need but simple desire. A similar bill was defeated by Argentina's Congress in 2018. Current law allows for abortion only when there is a serious risk to the mother's health or in the event of rape. The current bill is to be debated in the Senate on Tuesday next week. It is expected that demonstrations will be held both, for and against the bill. (With Reuters inputs)

Abortion bill in Argentine senate expected to heat-up debate

Argentinian senate is all set to vote on the controversial legal abortion bill next week. The government back the bill which aim at expanding the availability of legal abortion. If cleared the bill will allow abortion till 14th week.

Argentina's abortion bill backed by the government

Thousands of people turned out in Warsaw Sunday for the latest protest against a court decision restricting the right to abortion in all but the most exceptional circumstances.

The participants, mainly women and young people, crossed the capital headed for the home of deputy prime minister Jaroslaw Kaczynski, who analysts consider was behind the Constitutional Court's October 22 ruling.

Police tried several times to block the marchers' route to prevent them reaching Kaczynski's house, the target of several recent protests, before finally blocking off the street where he lives.

Already overnight, a group of farmers who accuse the government of doing nothing to stop the falling prices for their products had dumped a dead pig there and scattered potatoes and eggs across the street.

Have a look|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/bittersweet-victory-green-scarves-wave-as-argentina-celebrates-legalization-of-abortion-349308">Bittersweet victory: Green scarves wave as Argentina celebrates legalization of abortion</a>

Sunday's demonstrations took place on the 39th anniversary of Poland's then leader General Wojciech Jaruzelski declaring martial law to crush the Solidarity trade union movement pressing for reforms.

Activists have organised a series of protests since the October court ruling that abortions due to birth defects are unconstitutional -- a decision that would impose a near-total ban on terminations.

That ruling has not yet been published officially, meaning it does not apply, but doctors have been cancelling scheduled abortions for fear of falling foul of the law.

Once it is implemented, abortions will only be allowed in cases of rape, incest and if the mother's life is at risk.

At the moment, Poland sees fewer than 2,000 legal abortions every year, according to official statistics. But women's groups estimate that an additional 200,000 women abort either illegally or abroad.

Protesters have ignored government orders against mass gatherings during the coronavirus pandemic, which has so far killed 22,000 people in Poland, a country of 38 million people.

Thousands of people turned out in Warsaw Sunday for the latest protest against a court decision restricting the right to abortion in all but the most exceptional circumstances.

Thousands of people turned out in Warsaw Sunday for the latest protest against a court decision restricting the right to abortion in all but the most exceptional circumstances. The participants, mainly women and young people, crossed the capital headed for the home of deputy prime minister Jaroslaw Kaczynski, who analysts consider was behind the Constitutional Court's October 22 ruling. Police tried several times to block the marchers' route to prevent them reaching Kaczynski's house, the target of several recent protests, before finally blocking off the street where he lives. Already overnight, a group of farmers who accuse the government of doing nothing to stop the falling prices for their products had dumped a dead pig there and scattered potatoes and eggs across the street. Have a look| Bittersweet victory: Green scarves wave as Argentina celebrates legalization of abortion Sunday's demonstrations took place on the 39th anniversary of Poland's then leader General Wojciech Jaruzelski declaring martial law to crush the Solidarity trade union movement pressing for reforms. Activists have organised a series of protests since the October court ruling that abortions due to birth defects are unconstitutional -- a decision that would impose a near-total ban on terminations. That ruling has not yet been published officially, meaning it does not apply, but doctors have been cancelling scheduled abortions for fear of falling foul of the law. Once it is implemented, abortions will only be allowed in cases of rape, incest and if the mother's life is at risk. At the moment, Poland sees fewer than 2,000 legal abortions every year, according to official statistics. But women's groups estimate that an additional 200,000 women abort either illegally or abroad. Protesters have ignored government orders against mass gatherings during the coronavirus pandemic, which has so far killed 22,000 people in Poland, a country of 38 million people.

Fresh protest in Poland over abortion ruling

Bittersweet victory: Green scarves wave as Argentina celebrates legalization of abortion

Diego Segura sits just outside the walls of Diego Armando Maradona stadium in Buenos Aires where he paints tributes to the local legend and the global soccer icon who recently passed away.

Argentine street artist immortalizes Maradona

Argentina’s Senate has approved a proposed one-time wealth tax, which seeks to boost government revenue by targeting millionaires with assets of more than 200 million pesos ($2.4 million).

12,000 of the country's richest people will be taxed to pay for coronavirus measures including medical supplies and relief for the poor and small businesses.

In a session streamed live on YouTube, and after a long and polarizing debate, the so-called solidarity contribution was signed into law with 42 votes in favour and 26 against, as the pro-government alliance flexed its majority.

The government of President Alberto Fernandez hopes to raise 300 billion pesos ($3.75 billion) with the one-off levy, which earlier passed the Chamber of Deputies with 133 for votes to 115 against.

Argentina's 44 million population has been badly hit by the coronavirus, with more than 1.4 million cases and over 39,500 deaths, according to figures from Johns Hopkins University.

The pandemic has exacerbated already high unemployment and poverty rates in a country which has been in recession since 2018.

Under the scheme -- also dubbed the "millionaire's tax" -- people with declared assets greater than 200 million pesos will pay a progressive rate of up to 3.5 per cent on wealth in Argentina and up to 5.25 per cent on wealth outside the country.

Of the proceeds, 20 per cent will go to medical supplies for the pandemic, another 20 per cent to small and medium-sized businesses, 15 per cent to social developments, 20 per cent to student scholarships and 25 per cent to natural gas ventures.

Director of the tax agency Mercedes Marcó del Pont said it will affect almost 12,000 taxpayers.

"The tax reaches 0.8 per cent of total taxpayers," said one of the authors of the project, legislator Carlos Heller.

"Forty-two per cent have dollarized assets, of which 92 per cent is located abroad."

He said the plan was "far from taxing productive activity."

On the opposite side, Daniel Pelegrina, president of the powerful Argentine Rural Society (SRA), warned that Heller "wants to present it as a contribution of the richest, but we know what happens with all those unique taxes, they stay forever."

The neoliberal Juntos por el Cambio coalition, of former president Mauricio Macri, said it was a "confiscatory" measure.

(With inputs from agencies)

Argentina’s Senate has approved a proposed one-time wealth tax, which seeks to boost government revenue by targeting millionaires with assets of more than 200 million pesos ($2.

Argentina’s Senate has approved a proposed one-time wealth tax, which seeks to boost government revenue by targeting millionaires with assets of more than 200 million pesos ($2.4 million). 12,000 of the country's richest people will be taxed to pay for coronavirus measures including medical supplies and relief for the poor and small businesses. In a session streamed live on YouTube, and after a long and polarizing debate, the so-called solidarity contribution was signed into law with 42 votes in favour and 26 against, as the pro-government alliance flexed its majority. The government of President Alberto Fernandez hopes to raise 300 billion pesos ($3.75 billion) with the one-off levy, which earlier passed the Chamber of Deputies with 133 for votes to 115 against. Argentina's 44 million population has been badly hit by the coronavirus, with more than 1.4 million cases and over 39,500 deaths, according to figures from Johns Hopkins University. The pandemic has exacerbated already high unemployment and poverty rates in a country which has been in recession since 2018. Under the scheme -- also dubbed the "millionaire's tax" -- people with declared assets greater than 200 million pesos will pay a progressive rate of up to 3.5 per cent on wealth in Argentina and up to 5.25 per cent on wealth outside the country. Of the proceeds, 20 per cent will go to medical supplies for the pandemic, another 20 per cent to small and medium-sized businesses, 15 per cent to social developments, 20 per cent to student scholarships and 25 per cent to natural gas ventures. Director of the tax agency Mercedes Marcó del Pont said it will affect almost 12,000 taxpayers. "The tax reaches 0.8 per cent of total taxpayers," said one of the authors of the project, legislator Carlos Heller. "Forty-two per cent have dollarized assets, of which 92 per cent is located abroad." He said the plan was "far from taxing productive activity." On the opposite side, Daniel Pelegrina, president of the powerful Argentine Rural Society (SRA), warned that Heller "wants to present it as a contribution of the richest, but we know what happens with all those unique taxes, they stay forever." The neoliberal Juntos por el Cambio coalition, of former president Mauricio Macri, said it was a "confiscatory" measure. (With inputs from agencies)

Argentina hits the rich with 'millionaire's tax' to pay for coronavirus measures

Treating Football legend Diego Maradona before his death is been investigated for possible manslaughter by Argentinian prosecutors. Maradona's lawyers has alleged medical negligence.

Football legend Diego Maradona's doctor under investigation

On a wall in a Rio favela, graffiti artist Angelo Campos memorialized Argentine football great Diego Maradona who died Wednesday. Despite the rivalry between Brazil and Argentina in the soccer fields, Brazilians know how to appreciate and honor a genius football player.

Rio graffiti artist memorialises Maradona

'Ciao Diego': Argentina and Napoli fans mourn Maradona's death

In his statement, Alberto Fernandez noted that “the criminalization of abortion has been of no use,” only driving women who seek abortions to illegal providers.

Argentina president to bring abortion bill before legislature

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Argentina on Thursday authorized people to grow marijuana at home for medicinal use, delighting supporters of cannabis who have fought for years to make it widely available to patients suffering from a broad range of ailments.

A decree issued by President Alberto Fernández also allows pharmacies to sell cannabis-derived oils, creams and other products, and it orders public and private insurance systems to cover these medications for patients who obtain a prescription.

The president’s move significantly expanded the reach of a 2017 law that legalized medical marijuana. Supporters of medicinal cannabis say Fernández’s predecessor, Mauricio Macri, established restrictions so strict that it effectively made the drug inaccessible to patients.

The measure is the latest step softening drug laws in Latin America. In 2017, Uruguay legalized recreational marijuana, which is sold in pharmacies, and Colombia established a licensing system to grow cannabis for medicinal use. Home growers in Argentina will need a license based on medical needs.

“We’ve been fighting for this for three years,” said Valeria Salech, the head of Mamá Cultiva, an Argentine organization that promotes medical marijuana. “We’re no longer going to be criminalized for seeking a better quality of life for ourselves and our loved ones.”

Salech became a strong proponent of medical marijuana when she saw the positive effects cannabis oil had on her son, Emiliano, who has epilepsy and is autistic. Emiliano, now 14, has been using cannabis oil for the past six years.

“Cannabis helped him improve his connection to those around him. He was able to stop using diapers, to pay attention, he learned how to play,” Salech said. “It changed our lives.”

The 2017 law was so restrictive that people mainly acquired cannabis products on the black market.

“There was a law but there was no access to products,” said Argentina’s health minister, Ginés González García. “We are replacing a black market that already exists with quality control that is key in all medical products, particularly those that are given to children.”

The 2017 law permitted only patients with refractory epilepsy access to cannabis oil, and there was no procedure in place to obtain it legally through the state. Salech and other activists encouraged cannabis users to grow their own plants, despite the fact that doing so was against the law.

“We cultivate knowing that at any moment we could lose our freedom, but we do it because you can’t put a price on quality of life,” Salech said.

Growing marijuana carried with it prison terms of between four and 15 years. Those who grow it going forward without a license will still face that penalty.

The government now intends to draw up a licensing system to authorize home cultivation. It also hopes to work with medical laboratories interested in producing marijuana and its derivatives.

Approval will be “on a case-by-case basis,” Gonzaléz García said, but he emphasized there will be a broad understanding of the pathologies that could be helped by cannabis.

“Even if it does not provide a cure, improving quality of life is no small thing,” he said.

Argentina’s new regulation will also allow cultivation by third parties who are growing cannabis on behalf of those with a medical need.

For now, full legalization of marijuana is not on the government’s agenda. But activists are optimistic the definition of medical needs will be expanded to include general well-being.

“If we only think of health as the absence of illness, we’re missing the point,” Salech said. “This plant came to teach us that.” 
&nbsp;

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Argentina on Thursday authorized people to grow marijuana at home for medicinal use, delighting supporters of cannabis who have fought for years to make it widely available to patients suffering from a broad range of ailments.

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Argentina on Thursday authorized people to grow marijuana at home for medicinal use, delighting supporters of cannabis who have fought for years to make it widely available to patients suffering from a broad range of ailments. A decree issued by President Alberto Fernández also allows pharmacies to sell cannabis-derived oils, creams and other products, and it orders public and private insurance systems to cover these medications for patients who obtain a prescription. The president’s move significantly expanded the reach of a 2017 law that legalized medical marijuana. Supporters of medicinal cannabis say Fernández’s predecessor, Mauricio Macri, established restrictions so strict that it effectively made the drug inaccessible to patients. The measure is the latest step softening drug laws in Latin America. In 2017, Uruguay legalized recreational marijuana, which is sold in pharmacies, and Colombia established a licensing system to grow cannabis for medicinal use. Home growers in Argentina will need a license based on medical needs. “We’ve been fighting for this for three years,” said Valeria Salech, the head of Mamá Cultiva, an Argentine organization that promotes medical marijuana. “We’re no longer going to be criminalized for seeking a better quality of life for ourselves and our loved ones.” Salech became a strong proponent of medical marijuana when she saw the positive effects cannabis oil had on her son, Emiliano, who has epilepsy and is autistic. Emiliano, now 14, has been using cannabis oil for the past six years. “Cannabis helped him improve his connection to those around him. He was able to stop using diapers, to pay attention, he learned how to play,” Salech said. “It changed our lives.” The 2017 law was so restrictive that people mainly acquired cannabis products on the black market. “There was a law but there was no access to products,” said Argentina’s health minister, Ginés González García. “We are replacing a black market that already exists with quality control that is key in all medical products, particularly those that are given to children.” The 2017 law permitted only patients with refractory epilepsy access to cannabis oil, and there was no procedure in place to obtain it legally through the state. Salech and other activists encouraged cannabis users to grow their own plants, despite the fact that doing so was against the law. “We cultivate knowing that at any moment we could lose our freedom, but we do it because you can’t put a price on quality of life,” Salech said. Growing marijuana carried with it prison terms of between four and 15 years. Those who grow it going forward without a license will still face that penalty. The government now intends to draw up a licensing system to authorize home cultivation. It also hopes to work with medical laboratories interested in producing marijuana and its derivatives. Approval will be “on a case-by-case basis,” Gonzaléz García said, but he emphasized there will be a broad understanding of the pathologies that could be helped by cannabis. “Even if it does not provide a cure, improving quality of life is no small thing,” he said. Argentina’s new regulation will also allow cultivation by third parties who are growing cannabis on behalf of those with a medical need. For now, full legalization of marijuana is not on the government’s agenda. But activists are optimistic the definition of medical needs will be expanded to include general well-being. “If we only think of health as the absence of illness, we’re missing the point,” Salech said. “This plant came to teach us that.”

Argentina to allow medicinal marijuana to be grown at home

Brazil must confront a growing injury list that includes star forward Neymar as they resume World Cup qualifying this week, while Argentina are out to extend their perfect start at home to neighbours Paraguay.

Copa America champions Brazil host Venezuela in Sao Paulo on Friday chasing a third win in as many matches after launching their Qatar 2022 campaign with victories over Bolivia and Peru.

However, Brazil coach Tite will be without Neymar after the world's most expensive player injured his thigh while on Champions League duty with Paris Saint-Germain in Turkey last month.

Neymar, 28, bagged a hat-trick in a 4-2 win in Lima last time out to surpass Ronaldo as Brazil's second leading scorer in history. His tally of 64 goals leaves him 13 shy of Pele's record.

Despite his latest setback Neymar will still travel with the squad amid hopes that he may recover in time for the trip to Uruguay on November 17.

However, national team coordinator Juninho Paulista said Tite told PSG sporting director Leonardo that he "would never risk a player's health".

Defender Thiago Silva has tightened up the Chelsea defence since his arrival in England, but the 36-year-old has warned the crowded global fixture list is taking its toll on players.&nbsp;

"You have to keep endlessly reinventing yourself. We're losing players infected by Covid-19, or others who get hurt because we're playing too many matches. We're not machines," he said.

"We saw recent studies showing it's more than likely you get injured after four or five matches come one after another (every three days). It's very worrying for us."

While goalkeeper Alisson Becker and forward Gabriel Jesus return after injury, Brazil will also be without Casemiro, Philippe Coutinho and Fabinho.

Argentina, who began qualifying with narrow wins over Ecuador and Bolivia, are hoping Lionel Messi will be fit for both their games against Paraguay and Peru.

<h2>- Messi dealing with ankle knock -</h2>

The Barcelona forward is said to be nursing a sore ankle, leaving Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni considering his options if his captain is unavailable.

Paulo Dybala is again missing from the squad along with Sergio Aguero, although Angel Di Maria has been recalled for the first time in over a year.

Lautaro Martinez will likely start up front while super-sub Joaquin Correa could be rewarded for his winning goal in the altitude of La Paz.

Lucas Alario has also forced his way into contention after scoring seven goals for Bayer Leverkusen in his past four Bundesliga appearances.

Uruguay meet Colombia in Barranquilla on Friday attempting to bounce back from last month's 4-2 loss in Ecuador.

Luis Suarez is the joint leading scorer in qualifying with three goals, all of them penalties, carrying over his form from club level with Atletico Madrid.

Real Madrid midfielder Fede Valverde is out with a fractured shin and Maxi Gomez is absent due to a knee problem for Uruguay.

Argentine coach Gustavo Alfaro has vowed to put his "heart and soul into getting Ecuador to Qatar" after they failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.

"Right now, Ecuador is more a handful of very good intentions than a (finished) team," Alfaro told FIFA.com.

"As I said before, the challenge is to convert hope into reality. I'm not here to manage a team but rather to win."

"I have to admit that it'll be a disappointment if we're not at the next World Cup," he added, with his team playing away to Bolivia on Thursday.

Last year's Copa America runners-up Peru on Friday play Chile -- the country that won the tournament in 2015 and 2016.

Both nations are looking to breathe life into their qualifying bids in Santiago after collecting just a point from the opening two rounds.

Brazil must confront a growing injury list that includes star forward Neymar as they resume World Cup qualifying this week, while Argentina are out to extend their perfect start at home to neighbours Paraguay.

Brazil must confront a growing injury list that includes star forward Neymar as they resume World Cup qualifying this week, while Argentina are out to extend their perfect start at home to neighbours Paraguay. Copa America champions Brazil host Venezuela in Sao Paulo on Friday chasing a third win in as many matches after launching their Qatar 2022 campaign with victories over Bolivia and Peru. However, Brazil coach Tite will be without Neymar after the world's most expensive player injured his thigh while on Champions League duty with Paris Saint-Germain in Turkey last month. Neymar, 28, bagged a hat-trick in a 4-2 win in Lima last time out to surpass Ronaldo as Brazil's second leading scorer in history. His tally of 64 goals leaves him 13 shy of Pele's record. Despite his latest setback Neymar will still travel with the squad amid hopes that he may recover in time for the trip to Uruguay on November 17. However, national team coordinator Juninho Paulista said Tite told PSG sporting director Leonardo that he "would never risk a player's health". Defender Thiago Silva has tightened up the Chelsea defence since his arrival in England, but the 36-year-old has warned the crowded global fixture list is taking its toll on players. "You have to keep endlessly reinventing yourself. We're losing players infected by Covid-19, or others who get hurt because we're playing too many matches. We're not machines," he said. "We saw recent studies showing it's more than likely you get injured after four or five matches come one after another (every three days). It's very worrying for us." While goalkeeper Alisson Becker and forward Gabriel Jesus return after injury, Brazil will also be without Casemiro, Philippe Coutinho and Fabinho. Argentina, who began qualifying with narrow wins over Ecuador and Bolivia, are hoping Lionel Messi will be fit for both their games against Paraguay and Peru. - Messi dealing with ankle knock - The Barcelona forward is said to be nursing a sore ankle, leaving Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni considering his options if his captain is unavailable. Paulo Dybala is again missing from the squad along with Sergio Aguero, although Angel Di Maria has been recalled for the first time in over a year. Lautaro Martinez will likely start up front while super-sub Joaquin Correa could be rewarded for his winning goal in the altitude of La Paz. Lucas Alario has also forced his way into contention after scoring seven goals for Bayer Leverkusen in his past four Bundesliga appearances. Uruguay meet Colombia in Barranquilla on Friday attempting to bounce back from last month's 4-2 loss in Ecuador. Luis Suarez is the joint leading scorer in qualifying with three goals, all of them penalties, carrying over his form from club level with Atletico Madrid. Real Madrid midfielder Fede Valverde is out with a fractured shin and Maxi Gomez is absent due to a knee problem for Uruguay. Argentine coach Gustavo Alfaro has vowed to put his "heart and soul into getting Ecuador to Qatar" after they failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. "Right now, Ecuador is more a handful of very good intentions than a (finished) team," Alfaro told FIFA.com. "As I said before, the challenge is to convert hope into reality. I'm not here to manage a team but rather to win." "I have to admit that it'll be a disappointment if we're not at the next World Cup," he added, with his team playing away to Bolivia on Thursday. Last year's Copa America runners-up Peru on Friday play Chile -- the country that won the tournament in 2015 and 2016. Both nations are looking to breathe life into their qualifying bids in Santiago after collecting just a point from the opening two rounds.

'We're not machines': Injury-hit Brazil, Argentina resume World Cup qualifying

Traffic came to a standstill in Buenos Aires on Sunday (November 9) as large crowds turned out on foot and in their cars to protest against the government of President Alberto Fernandez.

Drone video shows massive protest in Buenos Aires against Fernandez's government

November 6&nbsp;2020 marks an anniversary of great relevance in the protracted sovereignty dispute over the Question of the Malvinas Islands: on this date, two hundred years ago, David Jewett took possession of the Malvinas Islands, raising the Argentine flag in the Islands for the first time.

At the time of the May Revolution, the Malvinas Islands, which had been disputed between Spain, France, and Great Britain in the 18th Century,&nbsp;were under the sovereignty of the Spanish authorities, which had an exclusive, effective and uninterrupted possession, unchallenged by Great Britain or any other foreign power. As the successor State of Spain, those sovereignty rights passed on to Argentina.

The Spanish presence on the Islands came to an end on February 13, 1811, when the last Governor of Malvinas during the viceroyalty times withdrew from the Islands, in the context of the conflict with Buenos Aires’ Primera Junta.

In spite of the Spanish withdrawal, the Malvinas Islands did not remain unoccupied or forgotten. A fluid circulation of goods, capitals, and people continued to develop with the archipelago, thanks to its natural resources: sea lions and elephant seals, whales, and wild livestock. British, North American, French, and Argentine ships exploited those resources and used the islands’ and continent’s shoreline for docking, hunting, and dressing stations. These activities drew the attention of Buenos Aires’ authorities, which, since 1813, had issued fishing permits, established regulations to prevent the depredation of resources, and controlled the establishment of any permanent settlement in the region.

It is in that context that the raising of the national flag and the presence of David Jewett, a United States’ national at the service of the Argentine Navy, gains special relevance.

Since the outset of the independence process in Latin America in 1810, the new national governments had to fight the royalist power that opposed them from sea and land. David Jewett, as many other North American and European sailors, would join the fight at the service of the United Provinces, until 1817.

In January 1820, the Supreme Director of the United Provinces, José Rondeau, named David Jewett as ‘Army colonel at the service of the navy’, with all the attributions and prerogatives it entailed. He set sail on January 20 towards the South Atlantic in command of the frigate "La Heroína", which was recognized by the Argentine government as a state warship.

By the end of October 1820, ten harsh months later, he reached Puerto Soledad in the Malvinas Islands, where he found vessels of different origins that called at that port temporarily as part of their hunting and fishing trips in the region.

On November 2, Jewett sent the other captains a circular informing them that he had been commissioned by the Government of the United Provinces to take possession of the archipelago and invited the other captains to meet him. He also pointed out that, in compliance with the rules set out by the authorities of Buenos Aires, he would seek to prevent the destruction of the Islands’ resources.&nbsp;

On November 6, 1820, a ceremony was held where Jewett took possession of the Islands. According to witnesses like British captain James Weddell –who comments on it in his famous ‘A voyage to the South Pole (1822-1824)- and Frenchmen Louis Freycinet, colonel Jewett raised the Argentine flag, read a proclamation, and fired 21 cannon shots in the name of the government of Buenos Aires, before the crews of the ships anchored at Puerto Soledad.

Three days later Jewett delivered to the captains present a circular in which he gave an account of the taking of possession of the Malvinas Islands on behalf of the Supreme Government of the United Provinces of South America, and of his willingness to act with justice and hospitality towards foreigners, also requesting that this information be communicated to other vessels.

The circular had a great repercussion in the international press. On August 3, the British newspaper The Times published an article in which it presented Jewett’s act as an act of sovereignty, as did the newspaper El Argos de Buenos Ayres in November.

While news of the events that took place in the Malvinas Islands continued to spread, Jewett stayed on the Islands for several months. He exercised his authority during his stay and until February 1821, when he requested the authorities of Buenos Aires to relieve him of his command. Guillermo Robert Mason was appointed as the new commander of La Heroína.

The solemn taking of possession of the Malvinas Islands was an official and public act which demonstrated the effective exercise of Argentine sovereignty -inherited from Spain-, received wide attention and was not contested by the United Kingdom (nor did it do so in 1825, when it recognized the United Provinces of the River Plate as an independent State by means of the Treaty of friendship, trade, and navigation), or any other foreign power.&nbsp;

This significant act is a fundamental link in the long chain of measures that, beginning with the first national government and ending with the forced removal of the Argentine authorities from Puerto Soledad in January 1833, demonstrate the young Argentine State’s continued and effective occupation and exercise of sovereignty over the Malvinas Islands.

This usurpation, which took place in times of peace, without a declaration of war, has never been consented by Argentina. Since then, and for the following 187 years, different Argentine governments have permanently claimed for the restitution of the full exercise of sovereignty over the Islands.

The international community’s support has been fundamental in this claim. The unanimous and early pronouncement of the Latin American countries in favor of the Argentine position was followed by those of other regional groups, as the international community organized in different multilateral forums.&nbsp;

This support allowed the United Nations to adopt different resolutions directly or indirectly related to the Malvinas Question, which comprises the sovereignty dispute over the Malvinas Islands, South Georgias, and the South Sandwich Islands and the surrounding maritime areas.

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer does not represent the views of the WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer)

November 6 2020 marks an anniversary of great relevance in the protracted sovereignty dispute over the Question of the Malvinas Islands: on this date, two hundred years ago, David Jewett took possession of the Malvinas Islands, raising the Argentine flag in the Islands for the first time.

November 6 2020 marks an anniversary of great relevance in the protracted sovereignty dispute over the Question of the Malvinas Islands: on this date, two hundred years ago, David Jewett took possession of the Malvinas Islands, raising the Argentine flag in the Islands for the first time. At the time of the May Revolution, the Malvinas Islands, which had been disputed between Spain, France, and Great Britain in the 18th Century, were under the sovereignty of the Spanish authorities, which had an exclusive, effective and uninterrupted possession, unchallenged by Great Britain or any other foreign power. As the successor State of Spain, those sovereignty rights passed on to Argentina. The Spanish presence on the Islands came to an end on February 13, 1811, when the last Governor of Malvinas during the viceroyalty times withdrew from the Islands, in the context of the conflict with Buenos Aires’ Primera Junta. In spite of the Spanish withdrawal, the Malvinas Islands did not remain unoccupied or forgotten. A fluid circulation of goods, capitals, and people continued to develop with the archipelago, thanks to its natural resources: sea lions and elephant seals, whales, and wild livestock. British, North American, French, and Argentine ships exploited those resources and used the islands’ and continent’s shoreline for docking, hunting, and dressing stations. These activities drew the attention of Buenos Aires’ authorities, which, since 1813, had issued fishing permits, established regulations to prevent the depredation of resources, and controlled the establishment of any permanent settlement in the region. It is in that context that the raising of the national flag and the presence of David Jewett, a United States’ national at the service of the Argentine Navy, gains special relevance. Since the outset of the independence process in Latin America in 1810, the new national governments had to fight the royalist power that opposed them from sea and land. David Jewett, as many other North American and European sailors, would join the fight at the service of the United Provinces, until 1817. In January 1820, the Supreme Director of the United Provinces, José Rondeau, named David Jewett as ‘Army colonel at the service of the navy’, with all the attributions and prerogatives it entailed. He set sail on January 20 towards the South Atlantic in command of the frigate "La Heroína", which was recognized by the Argentine government as a state warship. By the end of October 1820, ten harsh months later, he reached Puerto Soledad in the Malvinas Islands, where he found vessels of different origins that called at that port temporarily as part of their hunting and fishing trips in the region. On November 2, Jewett sent the other captains a circular informing them that he had been commissioned by the Government of the United Provinces to take possession of the archipelago and invited the other captains to meet him. He also pointed out that, in compliance with the rules set out by the authorities of Buenos Aires, he would seek to prevent the destruction of the Islands’ resources. On November 6, 1820, a ceremony was held where Jewett took possession of the Islands. According to witnesses like British captain James Weddell –who comments on it in his famous ‘A voyage to the South Pole (1822-1824)- and Frenchmen Louis Freycinet, colonel Jewett raised the Argentine flag, read a proclamation, and fired 21 cannon shots in the name of the government of Buenos Aires, before the crews of the ships anchored at Puerto Soledad. Three days later Jewett delivered to the captains present a circular in which he gave an account of the taking of possession of the Malvinas Islands on behalf of the Supreme Government of the United Provinces of South America, and of his willingness to act with justice and hospitality towards foreigners, also requesting that this information be communicated to other vessels. The circular had a great repercussion in the international press. On August 3, the British newspaper The Times published an article in which it presented Jewett’s act as an act of sovereignty, as did the newspaper El Argos de Buenos Ayres in November. While news of the events that took place in the Malvinas Islands continued to spread, Jewett stayed on the Islands for several months. He exercised his authority during his stay and until February 1821, when he requested the authorities of Buenos Aires to relieve him of his command. Guillermo Robert Mason was appointed as the new commander of La Heroína. The solemn taking of possession of the Malvinas Islands was an official and public act which demonstrated the effective exercise of Argentine sovereignty -inherited from Spain-, received wide attention and was not contested by the United Kingdom (nor did it do so in 1825, when it recognized the United Provinces of the River Plate as an independent State by means of the Treaty of friendship, trade, and navigation), or any other foreign power. This significant act is a fundamental link in the long chain of measures that, beginning with the first national government and ending with the forced removal of the Argentine authorities from Puerto Soledad in January 1833, demonstrate the young Argentine State’s continued and effective occupation and exercise of sovereignty over the Malvinas Islands. This usurpation, which took place in times of peace, without a declaration of war, has never been consented by Argentina. Since then, and for the following 187 years, different Argentine governments have permanently claimed for the restitution of the full exercise of sovereignty over the Islands. The international community’s support has been fundamental in this claim. The unanimous and early pronouncement of the Latin American countries in favor of the Argentine position was followed by those of other regional groups, as the international community organized in different multilateral forums. This support allowed the United Nations to adopt different resolutions directly or indirectly related to the Malvinas Question, which comprises the sovereignty dispute over the Malvinas Islands, South Georgias, and the South Sandwich Islands and the surrounding maritime areas. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer does not represent the views of the WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer)

200 years after the first raising of the Argentine flag in Malvinas

Hundreds of Argentine workers took to Buenos Aires streets on Wednesday (October 14) to demand higher wages, welfare plans, and more government action to protect jobs threatened by the coronavirus pandemic.

Angry Argentine workers demand better wages amid pandemic

With no fans in the seats to cheer on Bolivia in a crucial World Cup qualifier against Argentina, this local artist has found a novel way to stir the spirits of the home side. Bolivian artist Fernando Mamani Mamani is painting over empty seats in this La Paz stadium with a work of art that is representative of local culture.

Art replaces spectators in Bolivia stadium for World Cup qualifier with Argentina

Argentina has approved HB4 drought-resistant GMO wheat by biotechnology firm Bioceres SA , the company and the government said on Wednesday (October 8), making it the first country in the world to approve a strain of GMO wheat.

Argentina first country to approve GMO wheat

Fans of the Argentine cartoonist Joaquín Salvador Lavado, known as Quino, paid tribute Wednesday after his death at the age of 88. Some visited models of his iconic comic strip 'Mafalda' in Buenos Aires to leave flowers in his honour.

Argentina mourns death of iconic cartoonist Quino

Nearly half of Argentina's population was dragged into poverty in the second quarter of this year by the brutal effects of the the coronavirus pandemic on the country's longstanding economic crisis, researchers estimated on Wednesday.

Ahead of official government figures due later in the day, the Catholic University of Argentina (UCA) estimated the poverty rate spiked to between 46% and 47% by the end of June following months strict lockdowns to battle the coronavirus.

"There is greater general poverty. We are all a little poorer - we already were last year - and now with greater inequality," said UCA researcher Agustín Salvia.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/argentina-mexico-to-produce-astrazeneca-covid-19-vaccine-320099" hreflang="en">Argentina, Mexico to produce AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine</a>

He blamed the loss during the pandemic of 3.5 million jobs, mostly informal, for the rise, which was up from the 40.8% poverty rate recorded by UCA at the end of last year. The poverty line is drawn at 14,718 pesos ($193) per month.

According to the government's official statistics agency Indec, 35.5% of Argentines were living in poverty in the second half of 2019. Indec will publish the official figure for the first half of 2020 later on Wednesday.

The numbers reflect an everyday reality for Argentines like Guillermo Garay, who works as a street vendor during sporting events and saw his livelihood virtually disappear under the pandemic shutdowns.

"I survived because of family that supported me, because I had no possibility of doing anything," Garay said while selling Argentine flags at a protest in the capital, Buenos Aires.

UNEMPLOYMENT

Argentina's economy contracted a record 19.1% in the second quarter versus a year earlier as the coronavirus crippled production and demand, and is on track for a 12% economic plunge in 2020, analysts say.

Small companies that produce for the domestic market were hit particularly hard as activity came to halt and businesses closed across the county for months beginning in March, driving unemployment up to 13.1% in the second quarter.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/business-economy/argentina-reaches-debt-restructuring-deal-with-creditors-official-318131" hreflang="en">Argentina reaches debt restructuring deal with creditors: Official</a>

Argentina recently struck a deal with its creditors to restructure about $65 billion in foreign debt and has a bumpy fiscal road ahead, sapping the spending power for social programs that could have helped alleviate the effect of the pandemic on the poor.

"To get out of this poverty crisis requires a lot of imagination on the part of those in charge. The traditional programs of a few public works and a slight improvement in wages will not be enough," said local economist Andrés Asiain.

Salvia said it seemed unlikely that poverty levels would improve in the immediate future, and predicted about 45% of Argentines would still be in poverty at the end of the year.

"To get back to the 35% (poverty rate) we had before the crisis, which was already a scandal, I do not see it possible this year or next year," Salvia said.

Nearly half of Argentina's population was dragged into poverty in the second quarter of this year by the brutal effects of the the coronavirus pandemic on the country's longstanding economic crisis, researchers estimated on Wednesday.

Nearly half of Argentina's population was dragged into poverty in the second quarter of this year by the brutal effects of the the coronavirus pandemic on the country's longstanding economic crisis, researchers estimated on Wednesday. Ahead of official government figures due later in the day, the Catholic University of Argentina (UCA) estimated the poverty rate spiked to between 46% and 47% by the end of June following months strict lockdowns to battle the coronavirus. "There is greater general poverty. We are all a little poorer - we already were last year - and now with greater inequality," said UCA researcher Agustín Salvia. Also read: Argentina, Mexico to produce AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine He blamed the loss during the pandemic of 3.5 million jobs, mostly informal, for the rise, which was up from the 40.8% poverty rate recorded by UCA at the end of last year. The poverty line is drawn at 14,718 pesos ($193) per month. According to the government's official statistics agency Indec, 35.5% of Argentines were living in poverty in the second half of 2019. Indec will publish the official figure for the first half of 2020 later on Wednesday. The numbers reflect an everyday reality for Argentines like Guillermo Garay, who works as a street vendor during sporting events and saw his livelihood virtually disappear under the pandemic shutdowns. "I survived because of family that supported me, because I had no possibility of doing anything," Garay said while selling Argentine flags at a protest in the capital, Buenos Aires. UNEMPLOYMENT Argentina's economy contracted a record 19.1% in the second quarter versus a year earlier as the coronavirus crippled production and demand, and is on track for a 12% economic plunge in 2020, analysts say. Small companies that produce for the domestic market were hit particularly hard as activity came to halt and businesses closed across the county for months beginning in March, driving unemployment up to 13.1% in the second quarter. Also read: Argentina reaches debt restructuring deal with creditors: Official Argentina recently struck a deal with its creditors to restructure about $65 billion in foreign debt and has a bumpy fiscal road ahead, sapping the spending power for social programs that could have helped alleviate the effect of the pandemic on the poor. "To get out of this poverty crisis requires a lot of imagination on the part of those in charge. The traditional programs of a few public works and a slight improvement in wages will not be enough," said local economist Andrés Asiain. Salvia said it seemed unlikely that poverty levels would improve in the immediate future, and predicted about 45% of Argentines would still be in poverty at the end of the year. "To get back to the 35% (poverty rate) we had before the crisis, which was already a scandal, I do not see it possible this year or next year," Salvia said.

Poverty batters almost half of Argentines due to crisis plus pandemic: Researchers

An Argentine lawmaker was suspended after a lewd act with his partner was caught on camera during a parliamentary session.&nbsp;

During a parliamentary session being held via video-conference, Juan Emilio Ameri was seen fondling and kissing the breasts of a woman who was sitting on her lap.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/argentina-mexico-to-produce-astrazeneca-covid-19-vaccine-320099">Argentina, Mexico to produce AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine</a>

This incident, which happened when another MP was making his address, caused an interruption in the session.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/argentina-reaches-debt-restructuring-deal-with-creditors-official-318131#:~:text=Argentina's%20government%20on%20Tuesday%20said,billion%20debt%2C%20according%20to%20AFP.&amp;text=News%20of%20the%20deal%20helped,as%20much%20as%203%20cents.">Argentina reaches debt restructuring deal with creditors: Official</a>

The session was later suspended by the speaker Sergio Massa and the entire video vent viral on social media.&nbsp;

"The whole time we have been teleworking these past months we have had several incidents where deputies fell asleep or another hid, but today we had a situation that really overstepped the boundaries of this house," the speaker said.&nbsp;

The lawmaker from the northern province of Salta represents the ruling coalition and following the incident, he was suspended for five days.&nbsp;

Ameri, 47, in an interview to local radio, said his internet connection was poor at the time of the session and he and his partner were unaware that it was being recorded.&nbsp;

My partner came out of the bathroom, and I asked her how her implants were doing and I kissed them because she had surgery ten days ago to have them put in," he said, as quoted by news agency AFP. &nbsp;

An Argentine lawmaker was suspended after a lewd act with his partner was caught on camera during a parliamentary session. During a parliamentary session being held via video-conference, Juan Emilio Ameri was seen fondling and kissing the breasts of a woman who was sitting on her lap.

An Argentine lawmaker was suspended after a lewd act with his partner was caught on camera during a parliamentary session. During a parliamentary session being held via video-conference, Juan Emilio Ameri was seen fondling and kissing the breasts of a woman who was sitting on her lap. Also read | Argentina, Mexico to produce AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine This incident, which happened when another MP was making his address, caused an interruption in the session. Also read | Argentina reaches debt restructuring deal with creditors: Official The session was later suspended by the speaker Sergio Massa and the entire video vent viral on social media. "The whole time we have been teleworking these past months we have had several incidents where deputies fell asleep or another hid, but today we had a situation that really overstepped the boundaries of this house," the speaker said. The lawmaker from the northern province of Salta represents the ruling coalition and following the incident, he was suspended for five days. Ameri, 47, in an interview to local radio, said his internet connection was poor at the time of the session and he and his partner were unaware that it was being recorded. My partner came out of the bathroom, and I asked her how her implants were doing and I kissed them because she had surgery ten days ago to have them put in," he said, as quoted by news agency AFP.

Argentine lawmaker suspended after video of lewd act with partner goes viral

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