Former Brazilian footballer Ronaldinho was released Monday by a Paraguayan judge after being in detention for five months over a forged passport.

Former footballer Ronaldinho released from Paraguay after five months of detention

Locals protest against authorities as Paraguayan lagoon turns purple

India has started repatriating&nbsp;its citizens from far way Argentina with 24 Indians set to arrive in Delhi later this week even as New Delhi will be gifting medicines to Uruguay and&nbsp;Paraguay.

Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Buenos Aires, India's envoy to Argentina, Uruguay &amp; Paraguay Dinesh Bhatia said EAM Jaishankar had "very productive and very fruitful" discussions with foreign ministers of all the 3 countries - Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay on not only "cooperation in the times of COVID-19 but beyond that."

Interestingly, Argentina envoy to India Daniel Chuburu who was in Argentina for two&nbsp;months due to lockdown is coming to India in the first flight from Buenos Aires that left on Monday.

WION: How is the Indian&nbsp;Mission helping in getting citizens back?

Dinesh Bhatia: Argentina was the farthest country from India, there is a large enough community of Indians here, about a couple of thousand Indians in Argentina.

In addition, our embassy also looks after Paraguay and Uruguay and we had stranded Indians there also, the numbers are not very large, the issue is distance is very large, going from Argentina to Delhi and of course Paraguay and Uruguay.

We have to work with stranded Indians in all the 3 countries and we have worked with and managed to send them back. We have a small number but a long stance and I hope they will reach safely.

There are two&nbsp;stops, the flight goes via Sydney and Bangkok and the journey is more than 30 hours and thanks to the leadership of our EAM Jaishanker and FS Harsh Shringla and the entire ministry who has supported us in organising flight back to India.

WION: How many Indian have registered from repatriation from all the 3 countries?

Dinesh Bhatia: We had our registration only from Argentina for more than 60 people who wanted to go back and another 20 people from Uruguay. From Uruguay, they have not been able to get out because all of them work for one particular company called TCS &nbsp;and they decided not to go in this flight, but from Argentina when we circulated to all the 60 people who had registered and also to the larger community and we have 24 Indians going in this flight and one of them dropped out from this flight, unfortunately.

Twenty-four&nbsp;Indians are going back and surprisingly and interestingly Argentiain envoy to India, he was also in Argentina for the last two&nbsp;months, he was here for a family visit. He got stuck because of quarantine and lockdown in Argentina and India, he is also in this flight. He is going back to his workplace.

WION:&nbsp;Any Indian infect in all the 3 countries?

Dinesh Bhatia: Fortunately for us, no Indian has been infected in the 3 countries we deal with. The numbers are also not large and Uruguay has started improving because a number of recovered have been consistently more than infected on a daily basis since the 15th of last month. No Indians infected in the country.

WION: EAM spoke with Foreign Ministers of the countries, what was the key focus?

Dinesh Bhatia: EAM has spoken to foreign ministers of all the 3 countries--Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay. Discussions were very productive and very fruitful because they not only discussed cooperation in the times of COVID, beyond that.

EAM also committed gift medicines and medical supplies to Uruguay and Paraguay and currently, they are being procured and sent to both countries.

All the three&nbsp;countries have close relations with India and since we sit in Buenos aires, we will talk about the country.

Argentina has a new government since December, this was this is the first conversation between the two&nbsp;FMs and the same thing applies to Uruguay because they had new govt which took over. They had elections in October and November and govt took over on March 1 and EAM spoke to his counterpart in Uruguay too and all the discussions were productive.

WION: How has been the ground situation in the 3 countries?

Dinesh Bhatia: The number in all these 3 countries have not been very large and Argentina and Paraguay have been in complete lockdown since March.

In fact, Argentina was the first country to declare lockdown since 20th March and they will continue for some more time. Paraguay same situation.

Uruguay has opened up, in fact, schools in the rural areas have also opened. They were never under complete lockdown as such, the numbers were very small, a small country with 3.5 million people and numbers have been small. Uruguay is gradually opening-up becoming back to normal.

Argentina will continue till numbers are in control because so far the numbers have been increasing.&nbsp;

India has started repatriating its citizens from far way Argentina with 24 Indians set to arrive in Delhi later this week even as New Delhi will be gifting medicines to Uruguay and Paraguay.

India has started repatriating its citizens from far way Argentina with 24 Indians set to arrive in Delhi later this week even as New Delhi will be gifting medicines to Uruguay and Paraguay. Speaking exclusively to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Buenos Aires, India's envoy to Argentina, Uruguay & Paraguay Dinesh Bhatia said EAM Jaishankar had "very productive and very fruitful" discussions with foreign ministers of all the 3 countries - Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay on not only "cooperation in the times of COVID-19 but beyond that." Interestingly, Argentina envoy to India Daniel Chuburu who was in Argentina for two months due to lockdown is coming to India in the first flight from Buenos Aires that left on Monday. WION: How is the Indian Mission helping in getting citizens back? Dinesh Bhatia: Argentina was the farthest country from India, there is a large enough community of Indians here, about a couple of thousand Indians in Argentina. In addition, our embassy also looks after Paraguay and Uruguay and we had stranded Indians there also, the numbers are not very large, the issue is distance is very large, going from Argentina to Delhi and of course Paraguay and Uruguay. We have to work with stranded Indians in all the 3 countries and we have worked with and managed to send them back. We have a small number but a long stance and I hope they will reach safely. There are two stops, the flight goes via Sydney and Bangkok and the journey is more than 30 hours and thanks to the leadership of our EAM Jaishanker and FS Harsh Shringla and the entire ministry who has supported us in organising flight back to India. WION: How many Indian have registered from repatriation from all the 3 countries? Dinesh Bhatia: We had our registration only from Argentina for more than 60 people who wanted to go back and another 20 people from Uruguay. From Uruguay, they have not been able to get out because all of them work for one particular company called TCS and they decided not to go in this flight, but from Argentina when we circulated to all the 60 people who had registered and also to the larger community and we have 24 Indians going in this flight and one of them dropped out from this flight, unfortunately. Twenty-four Indians are going back and surprisingly and interestingly Argentiain envoy to India, he was also in Argentina for the last two months, he was here for a family visit. He got stuck because of quarantine and lockdown in Argentina and India, he is also in this flight. He is going back to his workplace. WION: Any Indian infect in all the 3 countries? Dinesh Bhatia: Fortunately for us, no Indian has been infected in the 3 countries we deal with. The numbers are also not large and Uruguay has started improving because a number of recovered have been consistently more than infected on a daily basis since the 15th of last month. No Indians infected in the country. WION: EAM spoke with Foreign Ministers of the countries, what was the key focus? Dinesh Bhatia: EAM has spoken to foreign ministers of all the 3 countries--Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay. Discussions were very productive and very fruitful because they not only discussed cooperation in the times of COVID, beyond that. EAM also committed gift medicines and medical supplies to Uruguay and Paraguay and currently, they are being procured and sent to both countries. All the three countries have close relations with India and since we sit in Buenos aires, we will talk about the country. Argentina has a new government since December, this was this is the first conversation between the two FMs and the same thing applies to Uruguay because they had new govt which took over. They had elections in October and November and govt took over on March 1 and EAM spoke to his counterpart in Uruguay too and all the discussions were productive. WION: How has been the ground situation in the 3 countries? Dinesh Bhatia: The number in all these 3 countries have not been very large and Argentina and Paraguay have been in complete lockdown since March. In fact, Argentina was the first country to declare lockdown since 20th March and they will continue for some more time. Paraguay same situation. Uruguay has opened up, in fact, schools in the rural areas have also opened. They were never under complete lockdown as such, the numbers were very small, a small country with 3.5 million people and numbers have been small. Uruguay is gradually opening-up becoming back to normal. Argentina will continue till numbers are in control because so far the numbers have been increasing.

Repatriation of Indians begins from Argentina; New Delhi gifts medicines to Paraguay & Uruguay

Former Brazil and Barcelona forward Ronaldinho Gaucho was arrested in Paraguay on Friday for attempting to enter the country with an adulterated passport, Paraguayan police said.

Gilberto Fleitas, the head of the investigations unit of the Paraguayan police, said Ronaldinho and his brother were taken into custody just hours after a judge refused to ratify a prosecutor's proposal for an alternative punishment.

"The detention order has been carried out," Fleitas told Reuters.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/soccer-bahrains-baqer-gets-10-game-ban-for-racist-gesture-269939">Football: Bahrain's Baqer gets 10-game ban for racist gesture</a>

TV pictures showed the pair being taken in a police vehicle from the Sheraton hotel in Asuncion to a police station on the outskirts of the city.

Ronaldinho and his brother Roberto Assis, who is also his business manager, are expected to face a judge on Saturday who will decide whether to free the pair or keep them in custody while investigations continue.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-cup-mbappe-treble-over-lyon-fires-psg-into-finals-284366">French Cup: Mbappe treble over Lyon fires PSG into finals</a>

Their unexpected arrest came just hours after the two brothers appeared set to leave the landlocked South American nation and draw a line under their tumultuous stay that began on Wednesday when they were questioned by police after presenting falsified passports on arrival at the Asuncion airport.

Federico Delfino, a prosecutor investigating the case, said he believed the two had been tricked into accepting Paraguayan passports on arrival and recommended that because they had cooperated with official they be released after paying an alternative punishment.

However, a judge rejected that accord on Friday and just minutes later the deal was abrogated by the top public prosecutor.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/pakistan-brazil-friendly-football-aiming-to-promote-the-game-among-youngsters-350">&nbsp;Ronaldinho, Anelka play football in Pakistan</a>

Arrest warrants were then issued for both the former Gremio, AC Milan and Paris St-Germain player and his brother.

Officers from the organised crime and economic crimes units have been tasked with handling the case, a statement from the top prosecutor’s office said.

Reuters has contacted the lawyer for both men to ask for comment on Friday's developments.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ronaldinho-set-to-visit-pakistan-to-promote-football-13373/amp">Ronaldinho set to visit Pakistan to promote football</a>

The brothers were invited to Paraguay by a local casino owner and had arrived on Wednesday to take part in a soccer clinic for children and a book launch.

Although he last played professionally in 2015, Ronaldinho, who also turned out for Brazilian clubs Atletico Mineiro, Flamengo and Fluminense, is still hugely popular with global football fans for his skills and showmanship.

The 39-year-old was the best player in the world at his peak in the early part of this century.

He was named FIFA World Player of the year in 2004 and 2005 and won the World Cup with Brazil in 2002 and the Champions League with Barcelona in 2006.

Former Brazil and Barcelona forward Ronaldinho Gaucho was arrested in Paraguay on Friday for attempting to enter the country with an adulterated passport, Paraguayan police said.

Former Brazil and Barcelona forward Ronaldinho Gaucho was arrested in Paraguay on Friday for attempting to enter the country with an adulterated passport, Paraguayan police said. Gilberto Fleitas, the head of the investigations unit of the Paraguayan police, said Ronaldinho and his brother were taken into custody just hours after a judge refused to ratify a prosecutor's proposal for an alternative punishment. "The detention order has been carried out," Fleitas told Reuters. Also Read: Football: Bahrain's Baqer gets 10-game ban for racist gesture TV pictures showed the pair being taken in a police vehicle from the Sheraton hotel in Asuncion to a police station on the outskirts of the city. Ronaldinho and his brother Roberto Assis, who is also his business manager, are expected to face a judge on Saturday who will decide whether to free the pair or keep them in custody while investigations continue. Also Read: French Cup: Mbappe treble over Lyon fires PSG into finals Their unexpected arrest came just hours after the two brothers appeared set to leave the landlocked South American nation and draw a line under their tumultuous stay that began on Wednesday when they were questioned by police after presenting falsified passports on arrival at the Asuncion airport. Federico Delfino, a prosecutor investigating the case, said he believed the two had been tricked into accepting Paraguayan passports on arrival and recommended that because they had cooperated with official they be released after paying an alternative punishment. However, a judge rejected that accord on Friday and just minutes later the deal was abrogated by the top public prosecutor. Also Read: Ronaldinho, Anelka play football in Pakistan Arrest warrants were then issued for both the former Gremio, AC Milan and Paris St-Germain player and his brother. Officers from the organised crime and economic crimes units have been tasked with handling the case, a statement from the top prosecutor’s office said. Reuters has contacted the lawyer for both men to ask for comment on Friday's developments. Also Read: Ronaldinho set to visit Pakistan to promote football The brothers were invited to Paraguay by a local casino owner and had arrived on Wednesday to take part in a soccer clinic for children and a book launch. Although he last played professionally in 2015, Ronaldinho, who also turned out for Brazilian clubs Atletico Mineiro, Flamengo and Fluminense, is still hugely popular with global football fans for his skills and showmanship. The 39-year-old was the best player in the world at his peak in the early part of this century. He was named FIFA World Player of the year in 2004 and 2005 and won the World Cup with Brazil in 2002 and the Champions League with Barcelona in 2006.

Former Barcelona forward Ronaldinho arrested in Paraguay

Former Brazilian forward Ronaldinho Gaucho was arrested in Paraguay on Friday for attempting to enter the country with an adulterated passport, Paraguayan police said.

Former Brazilian soccer legend Ronaldinho arrested under fake passport claims in Paraguay

Biologists in Paraguay on Monday (February 17) welcomed the first scarlet macaw chick hatched in the wild in the city of Luque. The city firefighters pulleyed the 65-day-old chick from its nest and Brazilian biologists microchipped and weighed the parrot surrounded by curious bystanders taking pictures of the baby macaw's debut.

Baby scarlet macaw born in the wild in Paraguay makes public debut

Today in History: Massachusetts issues the first paper money in the Americas, SS Dorchester is sunk by a German U-boat and more

Brazil reached the last four of the Copa America on Thursday with a 4-3 penalty shootout win over Paraguay after their compelling quarter-final in Porto Alegre ended scoreless.

Gabriel got the winning kick for Brazil after Gustavo Gomez and Derlis Gonzalez missed for the visitors. Roberto Firmino pulled his spot-kick wide for the hosts.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-brazil-crush-peru-to-reach-last-eight-229690&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi9xP-EtovjAhVQinAKHe0uAoIQFjACegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1rpJxdtBBQB4wYSuxv9Vqh">Brazil</a>, who have yet to concede a goal in their first four games, will next face the winner of Friday’s quarter-final between Argentina and Venezuela in Belo Horizonte next Tuesday.

Gabriel Jesus had missed a penalty against Peru in their last group game and said he went back to his tried and tested the technique on Thursday.

"In the last game I didn’t look at the keeper and I hit it hard straight away and the goalie made a good save," he added.

"Today I did it my usual way, I looked calmly at the keeper and I could see him moving to the left and I side-footed it the other way,"&nbsp;Jesus said.

After a foul strewn and unexciting first half, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/philippe-coutinho-helps-brazil-forget-neymar-in-winning-copa-america-start-227257&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi9xP-EtovjAhVQinAKHe0uAoIQFjAHegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2o7sb-lgkqIC_xEcjsN5dY">Brazil </a>took control when Fabian Balbuena was sent off in the 58th minute for fouling Firmino as he bore down on goal.

The referee gave a penalty but changed it to a free kick on the edge of the area after consulting the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-organisers-satisfied-with-use-of-var-despite-lengthy-delays-230565&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjHqee2tovjAhWJq48KHWgwD5QQFjAAegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2nX7s9sw8sQFf1AVrg3Sre">video assistant referee (VAR).</a>

The sending off then saw the home side lay siege to the Paraguayan goal but without joy, Everton seeing a shot deflected over the bar, Gabriel Jesus pulling a gilt-edged chance wide, and Willian hitting the post in the last minute.

"We created lots and lots of chances, the ball hit the woodwork, the goalkeeper worked miracles, but the fans helped us and we never gave up," said midfielder Arthur.

"We know what football is like, it’s about small details, and we couldn’t win but we felt the good energies and we managed to get through on penalties," Arthur added.

Goalkeeper Alisson, who like Arthur started his career in Porto Alegre, saluted his teammates.

"This is a team that deserved the win today," Alisson said.

"It was a draw but against a team that didn’t want to play unless it was on the counter-attack. We’ve gone up one step, two more to go to our objective, to be Copa America champions," added&nbsp;Alisson.

In the other two quarter-finals, Colombia play <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-alexis-sanchez-strikes-again-to-take-chile-into-quarters-229418&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiJl_uttovjAhUQ3o8KHdv-DkoQFjABegQIEhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw14HSyDrwysSqA06oXz5SVS">Chile </a>and Uruguay take on Peru.

Brazil reached the last four of the Copa America on Thursday with a 4-3 penalty shootout win over Paraguay after their compelling quarter-final in Porto Alegre ended scoreless.

Brazil reached the last four of the Copa America on Thursday with a 4-3 penalty shootout win over Paraguay after their compelling quarter-final in Porto Alegre ended scoreless. Gabriel got the winning kick for Brazil after Gustavo Gomez and Derlis Gonzalez missed for the visitors. Roberto Firmino pulled his spot-kick wide for the hosts. Brazil, who have yet to concede a goal in their first four games, will next face the winner of Friday’s quarter-final between Argentina and Venezuela in Belo Horizonte next Tuesday. Gabriel Jesus had missed a penalty against Peru in their last group game and said he went back to his tried and tested the technique on Thursday. "In the last game I didn’t look at the keeper and I hit it hard straight away and the goalie made a good save," he added. "Today I did it my usual way, I looked calmly at the keeper and I could see him moving to the left and I side-footed it the other way," Jesus said. After a foul strewn and unexciting first half, Brazil took control when Fabian Balbuena was sent off in the 58th minute for fouling Firmino as he bore down on goal. The referee gave a penalty but changed it to a free kick on the edge of the area after consulting the video assistant referee (VAR). The sending off then saw the home side lay siege to the Paraguayan goal but without joy, Everton seeing a shot deflected over the bar, Gabriel Jesus pulling a gilt-edged chance wide, and Willian hitting the post in the last minute. "We created lots and lots of chances, the ball hit the woodwork, the goalkeeper worked miracles, but the fans helped us and we never gave up," said midfielder Arthur. "We know what football is like, it’s about small details, and we couldn’t win but we felt the good energies and we managed to get through on penalties," Arthur added. Goalkeeper Alisson, who like Arthur started his career in Porto Alegre, saluted his teammates. "This is a team that deserved the win today," Alisson said. "It was a draw but against a team that didn’t want to play unless it was on the counter-attack. We’ve gone up one step, two more to go to our objective, to be Copa America champions," added Alisson. In the other two quarter-finals, Colombia play Chile and Uruguay take on Peru.

Copa America: Brazil reach semi-final with shootout win over Paraguay

Despite another shaky performance in the Copa America, Argentina still have their fate in their hands to reach the quarter-finals after drawing 1-1 with Paraguay on Wednesday as fortune shined on their side three times.

Argentina captain <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/argentinas-lionel-messi-hopes-to-end-trophy-heartache-at-copa-america-227262&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi7qOagqvfiAhXMQo8KHV1RBc0QFjABegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0S9rt5n8yfIwVxG_EtPMbW">Lionel Messi</a> pulled his side level in the 57th minute after a handball by Paraguay's Ivan Peris which no-one on the pitch appealed for but was spotted by a VAR review.

Richard Sanchez had given Paraguay the lead in the 37th minute, firing into the bottom corner after a lung-bursting run from Miguel Almiron down the left wing.

Paraguay were awarded a spot-kick of their own a few minutes later but Derlis Gonzalez's shot was saved by Argentina keeper Franco Armani, who was lucky to avoid a red card when he fouled Gonzalez outside his area at the end of the first half.

Argentina are still bottom of Group B with one point from two games but they could progress to the last eight with a win over third-placed Qatar in their final group game on Sunday.

Anything less than victory against the Asian Cup winners will send Argentina out and further prolong Messi's long wait to win a trophy with his country.

The result ensured Colombia clinched top spot in the group on six points after they beat Qatar 1-0 earlier on.

Paraguay, who also threw away the lead to draw 2-2 with Qatar in their first game, are second on two points and need to beat Colombia to be guaranteed a spot in the quarter-finals.

Argentina's caretaker coach <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/copa-america-lionel-scaloni-expects-a-tough-start-as-argentina-prepare-to-face-colombia-227344&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi7qOagqvfiAhXMQo8KHV1RBc0QFjAAegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3XE6nDgYka9nVQPK-s7ZRU">Lionel Scaloni</a> admitted his side had not played well and struggled to cope with the shock of conceding the first goal.

'A LOT OF UNCERTAINTY'

"Our first half was not good, we played with desperation at times and we couldn't control the play or create attacks. We had a very clear plan but couldn't execute it as we kept losing the ball," he told reporters.

"They scored with their first attack and that caused us a lot of uncertainty. For a team like Argentina, which feels like it always has to win, the first blow is hard to take, but we assured the players at halftime that it was just one goal,"&nbsp;Scaloni added.

Argentina's best move came when substitute <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/sergio-agueros-return-lifts-messis-hopes-of-copa-america-glory-for-argentina-226159&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi7qOagqvfiAhXMQo8KHV1RBc0QFjAEegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw35BeC1jNSmLRAWr-4LRXa7">Aguero </a>chested down a cross and laid it off to Lautaro Martinez who hit the crossbar on the volley.

The ball fell to Messi but the captain's shot was tipped away by Paraguay keeper Roberto Fernandez.

Messi was preparing to take the resulting corner when the referee went to consult the screen and then ruled that Martinez's shot had struck the outstretched hand of Peris.

The Barcelona forward, who is playing at his eighth major tournament with Argentina and has already lost four major finals, blasted in from the spot but an awfully timed tackle by Nicolas Otamendi threatened to undo his good work.

Yet Argentina enjoyed a third slice of good fortune as Armani came to the rescue by punching Gonzalez's spot-kick away, and the River Plate goalkeeper also saved a later free kick from Matias Rojas.

Despite another shaky performance in the Copa America, Argentina still have their fate in their hands to reach the quarter-finals after drawing 1-1 with Paraguay on Wednesday as fortune shined on their side three times.

Despite another shaky performance in the Copa America, Argentina still have their fate in their hands to reach the quarter-finals after drawing 1-1 with Paraguay on Wednesday as fortune shined on their side three times. Argentina captain Lionel Messi pulled his side level in the 57th minute after a handball by Paraguay's Ivan Peris which no-one on the pitch appealed for but was spotted by a VAR review. Richard Sanchez had given Paraguay the lead in the 37th minute, firing into the bottom corner after a lung-bursting run from Miguel Almiron down the left wing. Paraguay were awarded a spot-kick of their own a few minutes later but Derlis Gonzalez's shot was saved by Argentina keeper Franco Armani, who was lucky to avoid a red card when he fouled Gonzalez outside his area at the end of the first half. Argentina are still bottom of Group B with one point from two games but they could progress to the last eight with a win over third-placed Qatar in their final group game on Sunday. Anything less than victory against the Asian Cup winners will send Argentina out and further prolong Messi's long wait to win a trophy with his country. The result ensured Colombia clinched top spot in the group on six points after they beat Qatar 1-0 earlier on. Paraguay, who also threw away the lead to draw 2-2 with Qatar in their first game, are second on two points and need to beat Colombia to be guaranteed a spot in the quarter-finals. Argentina's caretaker coach Lionel Scaloni admitted his side had not played well and struggled to cope with the shock of conceding the first goal. 'A LOT OF UNCERTAINTY' "Our first half was not good, we played with desperation at times and we couldn't control the play or create attacks. We had a very clear plan but couldn't execute it as we kept losing the ball," he told reporters. "They scored with their first attack and that caused us a lot of uncertainty. For a team like Argentina, which feels like it always has to win, the first blow is hard to take, but we assured the players at halftime that it was just one goal," Scaloni added. Argentina's best move came when substitute Aguero chested down a cross and laid it off to Lautaro Martinez who hit the crossbar on the volley. The ball fell to Messi but the captain's shot was tipped away by Paraguay keeper Roberto Fernandez. Messi was preparing to take the resulting corner when the referee went to consult the screen and then ruled that Martinez's shot had struck the outstretched hand of Peris. The Barcelona forward, who is playing at his eighth major tournament with Argentina and has already lost four major finals, blasted in from the spot but an awfully timed tackle by Nicolas Otamendi threatened to undo his good work. Yet Argentina enjoyed a third slice of good fortune as Armani came to the rescue by punching Gonzalez's spot-kick away, and the River Plate goalkeeper also saved a later free kick from Matias Rojas.

Copa America: Lionel Messi's penalty rescues Argentina against Paraguay

Lionel Messi has long craved a suitable strike partner so that he can win a major trophy with Argentina and the return of his friend <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-still-driven-to-win-with-argentina-insists-sergio-aguero-223110&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiXhvCz4-DiAhVh7nMBHfBgCNcQFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2vLSmTKr7TrCRkeUUa479k">Sergio Aguero</a> has given the nation renewed hope of winning the Copa America.

Even though he is third on Argentina's list of all-time top scorers and has a prolific record with Manchester City, Aguero has started only 14 games in major tournaments since making his World Cup debut in 2010.

But with Gonzalo Higuain retired, he is set to play a central role in Brazil.

Aguero played his part in memorable triumphs for his country at youth level, twice winning the under-20 World Cup as well as claiming an Olympic gold medal alongside Messi at the 2008 Beijing Games.

But he is desperate to win a major international trophy, above all for Messi, who has lost four finals with the national team, missing out on the last two Copa America finals with painful penalty shootout defeats to Chile.

"I'm more excited about winning for Leo than for myself because he has played for so long and he has suffered so much," Aguero told Fox Sports.

"Whenever I talk with Leo, we always say 'Pray that one day it happens for us'. It's what he wants and it's what we all want. I put myself in his shoes and I want to do the best," Aguero said

Just as <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-broke-down-in-dressing-room-after-barcelonas-humiliating-defeat-to-liverpool-217028&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjwqY2g4-DiAhVK6nMBHW0zClgQFjACegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw15Hbae0VU2MWfGomU-GTV_">Messi </a>has been unable to replicate his glut of trophies with Barcelona on the international stage, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/funny-twitter-reactions-after-sergio-aguero-misses-penalty-against-tottenham-hotspur-in-champions-league-clash-209187&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiXhvCz4-DiAhVh7nMBHfBgCNcQFjAAegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2EcRrRprAD6q3d184eUW26">Aguero </a>also showed a desire to balance his considerable success at City with a prize with Argentina after winning a domestic treble.

"I'm feeling fit and I finished the season well, I have no injuries and I want to do the same for Argentina as I do with City," he added.

Argentina face a daunting opening game in Group B against Colombia but should be confident of beating Paraguay and Qatar to progress to the quarter-finals.

Coach Lionel Scaloni was not the most glamorous of choices to succeed Jorge Sampaoli after their woeful World Cup campaign.

However, the former defender, who was an assistant to Sampaoli, has earned six wins in nine friendly games with the team.

He has picked a side largely lacking in experience but containing exciting young players such as Real Betis midfielder Giovani Lo Celso and Inter Milan forward Lauturo Martinez.

Messi has admitted that unlike previous Copa America tournaments, his side are no longer the favourites, but that should not affect their ambition.

"We go there with the same excitement and hope as always but the reality is we are in a period of transition and are not candidates," Messi said.

"There are many new players with few games but we're going to try and win it as we always have done. A Copa America is so important, whether it's in Brazil or anywhere else. It's been a long time since Argentina won it," Messi said.

Argentina won the last of their 14 Copa America titles in 1993.

Lionel Messi has long craved a suitable strike partner so that he can win a major trophy with Argentina and the return of his friend Sergio Aguero has given the nation renewed hope of winning the Copa America.

Lionel Messi has long craved a suitable strike partner so that he can win a major trophy with Argentina and the return of his friend Sergio Aguero has given the nation renewed hope of winning the Copa America. Even though he is third on Argentina's list of all-time top scorers and has a prolific record with Manchester City, Aguero has started only 14 games in major tournaments since making his World Cup debut in 2010. But with Gonzalo Higuain retired, he is set to play a central role in Brazil. Aguero played his part in memorable triumphs for his country at youth level, twice winning the under-20 World Cup as well as claiming an Olympic gold medal alongside Messi at the 2008 Beijing Games. But he is desperate to win a major international trophy, above all for Messi, who has lost four finals with the national team, missing out on the last two Copa America finals with painful penalty shootout defeats to Chile. "I'm more excited about winning for Leo than for myself because he has played for so long and he has suffered so much," Aguero told Fox Sports. "Whenever I talk with Leo, we always say 'Pray that one day it happens for us'. It's what he wants and it's what we all want. I put myself in his shoes and I want to do the best," Aguero said Just as Messi has been unable to replicate his glut of trophies with Barcelona on the international stage, Aguero also showed a desire to balance his considerable success at City with a prize with Argentina after winning a domestic treble. "I'm feeling fit and I finished the season well, I have no injuries and I want to do the same for Argentina as I do with City," he added. Argentina face a daunting opening game in Group B against Colombia but should be confident of beating Paraguay and Qatar to progress to the quarter-finals. Coach Lionel Scaloni was not the most glamorous of choices to succeed Jorge Sampaoli after their woeful World Cup campaign. However, the former defender, who was an assistant to Sampaoli, has earned six wins in nine friendly games with the team. He has picked a side largely lacking in experience but containing exciting young players such as Real Betis midfielder Giovani Lo Celso and Inter Milan forward Lauturo Martinez. Messi has admitted that unlike previous Copa America tournaments, his side are no longer the favourites, but that should not affect their ambition. "We go there with the same excitement and hope as always but the reality is we are in a period of transition and are not candidates," Messi said. "There are many new players with few games but we're going to try and win it as we always have done. A Copa America is so important, whether it's in Brazil or anywhere else. It's been a long time since Argentina won it," Messi said. Argentina won the last of their 14 Copa America titles in 1993.

Sergio Aguero's return lifts Messi's hopes of Copa America glory for Argentina

Mexico scored three goals in a blistering first half but took their foot off the pedal in the second period and had to hold off a Paraguay comeback to win their friendly match 4-2 in California on Tuesday.

Jonathan Dos Santos took advantage of hesitancy in the Paraguayan defence after six minutes to smash home the opener from close range at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara.

An own goal from Gustavo Gomez doubled Mexico’s advantage three minutes later and Javier Hernandez finished off a lovely move to make it 3-0 and set up what looked like a comfortable second consecutive win for new coach Gerardo Martino.

However, goals from Hernan Perez and Derlis Gonzalez either side of Miguel Almiron’s red card for Paraguay gave the South Americans the chance to snatch an unlikely draw before Luis Montes restored Mexico's two-goal cushion in stoppage time

Mexico scored three goals in a blistering first half but took their foot off the pedal in the second period and had to hold off a Paraguay comeback to win their friendly match 4-2 in California on Tuesday.

Mexico scored three goals in a blistering first half but took their foot off the pedal in the second period and had to hold off a Paraguay comeback to win their friendly match 4-2 in California on Tuesday. Jonathan Dos Santos took advantage of hesitancy in the Paraguayan defence after six minutes to smash home the opener from close range at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara. An own goal from Gustavo Gomez doubled Mexico’s advantage three minutes later and Javier Hernandez finished off a lovely move to make it 3-0 and set up what looked like a comfortable second consecutive win for new coach Gerardo Martino. However, goals from Hernan Perez and Derlis Gonzalez either side of Miguel Almiron’s red card for Paraguay gave the South Americans the chance to snatch an unlikely draw before Luis Montes restored Mexico's two-goal cushion in stoppage time

Three first-half goals help Mexico to 4-2 win over Paraguay

Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay are to submit a joint bid to host the 2030 World Cup, Chile's President Sebastian Pinera announced on Thursday.

Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay had already submitted a joint bid to host the centenary edition of football's most prestigious tournament, but Pinera said on Twitter that those countries' presidents had agreed to Chile's participation in the "joint candidacy".

Argentina and Uruguay originally announced their intention to submit a joint bid in 2017 before Paraguay joined the coalition later that year.

In December last year, Bolivia's football-mad president Evo Morales offered those three countries help in their bid, proposing "two or three departments as sub-seats" for the competition.

Had his offer been accepted, it would have meant the Hernando Siles Reyes stadium in La Paz potentially included as a host venue.

Pinera said he had been touting his idea to the presidents of Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay for several months.

Uruguay hosted and won the inaugural World Cup in 1930, Chile was the venue in 1962 and Argentina emulated its neighbor's achievement by lifting the trophy on home soil in 1978.

Like Morales, Mauricio Macri of Argentina, Uruguay's Tabare Vazquez and Paraguayan Mario Abdo Benitez are all passionate about football having all been president of a club in their countries.

Pinera is a billionaire businessman who started out as a teacher and has no previous connection to football.

The South American bid faces competition from Morocco and potentially several other joint bids, including one from Britain and Ireland and another by an eastern European confederation of Greece, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania.

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has even mooted a joint bid with Morocco, which has failed five times in bidding to host the World Cup, and Portugal.

Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay are to submit a joint bid to host the 2030 World Cup, Chile's President Sebastian Pinera announced on Thursday. Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay had already submitted a joint bid to host the centenary edition of football's most prestigious tournament, but Pinera said on Twitter that those countries' presidents had agreed to Chile's participation in the "joint candidacy".

Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay are to submit a joint bid to host the 2030 World Cup, Chile's President Sebastian Pinera announced on Thursday. Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay had already submitted a joint bid to host the centenary edition of football's most prestigious tournament, but Pinera said on Twitter that those countries' presidents had agreed to Chile's participation in the "joint candidacy". Argentina and Uruguay originally announced their intention to submit a joint bid in 2017 before Paraguay joined the coalition later that year. In December last year, Bolivia's football-mad president Evo Morales offered those three countries help in their bid, proposing "two or three departments as sub-seats" for the competition. Had his offer been accepted, it would have meant the Hernando Siles Reyes stadium in La Paz potentially included as a host venue. Pinera said he had been touting his idea to the presidents of Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay for several months. Uruguay hosted and won the inaugural World Cup in 1930, Chile was the venue in 1962 and Argentina emulated its neighbor's achievement by lifting the trophy on home soil in 1978. Like Morales, Mauricio Macri of Argentina, Uruguay's Tabare Vazquez and Paraguayan Mario Abdo Benitez are all passionate about football having all been president of a club in their countries. Pinera is a billionaire businessman who started out as a teacher and has no previous connection to football. The South American bid faces competition from Morocco and potentially several other joint bids, including one from Britain and Ireland and another by an eastern European confederation of Greece, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania. Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has even mooted a joint bid with Morocco, which has failed five times in bidding to host the World Cup, and Portugal.

Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay to present joint 2030 World Cup bid

Hosts Brazil were given a kind draw and will face Peru, Venezuela and Bolivia in the 2019 Copa America, a tournament they have not won since 2007 and one they will be under huge pressure to win on home soil.

Thursday's draw also placed Argentina, another side desperate for a major title after an even longer trophy drought, with Colombia, Paraguay and invited team Qatar.

The third of the three top seeds Uruguay are in perhaps the most difficult Group C, along with the other invited side Japan, plus Ecuador and reigning champions Chile.

This year's tournament will kick off with Brazil against Bolivia in Sao Paulo on June 14 and take place in five Brazilian cities. The final is at Rio de Janeiro's Maracana stadium on July 7.

"People have questioned me about the draw and some said, it's easy, others said, be careful," Brazil coach Tite said. "Our responsibility is to perform at the highest level, to play with joy and to be proud of representing Brazil."

"We need to play really well, and that's how you become champions."

The draw at a cavernous Rio concert hall was led by former Brazil captain Cafu and aided by soccer luminaries like former Inter Milan defender Javier Zanetti, Uruguayan Diego Lugano and six times FIFA Player of the year Marta.

It marked the starting gun for what promises to be a high pressure year for both Brazil and Argentina.

The host nation have not won a major title since lifting the Copa America in 2007 and coach Tite, whose side were knocked out the World Cup at the quarter-final stage last year, is under pressure to deliver some silverware.

Argentina, meanwhile, have reached the last two finals of the Copa America and lost both times on penalties. Another loss would extend a trophy drought that stretches back to 1993.

The two-times World Cup winners will come to the tournament with Lionel Scaloni in charge and although the interim coach, who has a contract until after the Copa, would not be drawn on his rivals he said his aim was to triumph.

"It's going to be difficult and no matter who we play we have to win," he told reporters. "The idea is that we are as good as anyone; we just need to keep notching up the victories."

They could also be without Lionel Messi. The Barcelona forward took a sabbatical from international soccer after a disappointing World Cup in Russia and has not said whether he will return to play in Brazil.

The Copa America is the oldest international tournament in the world and is played between the 10 South American nations and invited teams.

In addition to Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, matches will be held in Porto Alegre, Belo Horizonte and Salvador.

"Undoubtedly, there is always a great respect and admiration for Brazil's footballing culture," said Chilean coach Reinaldo Rueda.

"I think that will guarantee a great tournament."

Hosts Brazil were given a kind draw and will face Peru, Venezuela and Bolivia in the 2019 Copa America, a tournament they have not won since 2007 and one they will be under huge pressure to win on home soil.

Hosts Brazil were given a kind draw and will face Peru, Venezuela and Bolivia in the 2019 Copa America, a tournament they have not won since 2007 and one they will be under huge pressure to win on home soil. Thursday's draw also placed Argentina, another side desperate for a major title after an even longer trophy drought, with Colombia, Paraguay and invited team Qatar. The third of the three top seeds Uruguay are in perhaps the most difficult Group C, along with the other invited side Japan, plus Ecuador and reigning champions Chile. This year's tournament will kick off with Brazil against Bolivia in Sao Paulo on June 14 and take place in five Brazilian cities. The final is at Rio de Janeiro's Maracana stadium on July 7. "People have questioned me about the draw and some said, it's easy, others said, be careful," Brazil coach Tite said. "Our responsibility is to perform at the highest level, to play with joy and to be proud of representing Brazil." "We need to play really well, and that's how you become champions." The draw at a cavernous Rio concert hall was led by former Brazil captain Cafu and aided by soccer luminaries like former Inter Milan defender Javier Zanetti, Uruguayan Diego Lugano and six times FIFA Player of the year Marta. It marked the starting gun for what promises to be a high pressure year for both Brazil and Argentina. The host nation have not won a major title since lifting the Copa America in 2007 and coach Tite, whose side were knocked out the World Cup at the quarter-final stage last year, is under pressure to deliver some silverware. Argentina, meanwhile, have reached the last two finals of the Copa America and lost both times on penalties. Another loss would extend a trophy drought that stretches back to 1993. The two-times World Cup winners will come to the tournament with Lionel Scaloni in charge and although the interim coach, who has a contract until after the Copa, would not be drawn on his rivals he said his aim was to triumph. "It's going to be difficult and no matter who we play we have to win," he told reporters. "The idea is that we are as good as anyone; we just need to keep notching up the victories." They could also be without Lionel Messi. The Barcelona forward took a sabbatical from international soccer after a disappointing World Cup in Russia and has not said whether he will return to play in Brazil. The Copa America is the oldest international tournament in the world and is played between the 10 South American nations and invited teams. In addition to Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, matches will be held in Porto Alegre, Belo Horizonte and Salvador. "Undoubtedly, there is always a great respect and admiration for Brazil's footballing culture," said Chilean coach Reinaldo Rueda. "I think that will guarantee a great tournament."

Hosts Brazil face Peru, Venezuela, Bolivia in Copa America

Many inhabitants of Asuncion's river banks, known as the Banado Sur district, have been forced to live in the unhealthiest of conditions caused by the stagnant water submerging its streets from the flooding Paraguay River, which has driven 7,500 families out of their homes after rising 5.94 meters (19 1/2 feet).

Despite the large number of people relocated that has remained "stable for a month," according to the National Emergency Secretariat (SEN), some families have decided to stay in their homes, either because the water hasn't entered their dwellings yet or for questions of security.

Those families remain in the area despite the unhealthiness of the stagnant water, the source of diseases and the breeding ground of mosquitoes that transmit the dengue, zika and chikungunya viral infections, local authorities warned.

Such is the case of Ismael Martinez, his wife Alexis Vera and their two children, who have been living for "three months" with the foul stench of stagnant water inundating their street in the Banado Sur district of Asuncion, a situation made worse by the piles of waste accumulated there.

Vera said the situation "makes the kids vomit, have diarrhea and skin diseases."

To avoid these dangers, authorities of the SEN and of the Asuncion municipality urge those living near flooded zones to move to what they call refuges, public areas like plazas and vacant lots where those left homeless are relocated into flimsy tents they have to put together themselves.

The overcrowding in those areas doesn't spare people from the unhealthiness, since aside from some portable restrooms, they don't have enough sanitary resources or waste collections.

The main sources of work in the neighborhood are the nearby shipyards, which make large-tonnage ships, but according to local residents, they stop working when "the water rises," Ismael Martinez, 36, told EFE, adding that the rising river "stops the community from getting ahead."

Added to those problems is the isolation they escape by moving around in boats, piloted by some local inhabitants like Agustin Gonzalez, 51, who said that in the flooded areas "there's the danger of many reptiles, particularly vipers," which means "people have to use boats to get to work."

For his part, Martinez pointed to the need to "compensate people" who lose their homes and must "start all over again."

Many inhabitants of Asuncion's river banks, known as the Banado Sur district, have been forced to live in the unhealthiest of conditions caused by the stagnant water submerging its streets from the flooding Paraguay River, which has driven 7,500 families out of their homes after rising 5.

Many inhabitants of Asuncion's river banks, known as the Banado Sur district, have been forced to live in the unhealthiest of conditions caused by the stagnant water submerging its streets from the flooding Paraguay River, which has driven 7,500 families out of their homes after rising 5.94 meters (19 1/2 feet). Despite the large number of people relocated that has remained "stable for a month," according to the National Emergency Secretariat (SEN), some families have decided to stay in their homes, either because the water hasn't entered their dwellings yet or for questions of security. Those families remain in the area despite the unhealthiness of the stagnant water, the source of diseases and the breeding ground of mosquitoes that transmit the dengue, zika and chikungunya viral infections, local authorities warned. Such is the case of Ismael Martinez, his wife Alexis Vera and their two children, who have been living for "three months" with the foul stench of stagnant water inundating their street in the Banado Sur district of Asuncion, a situation made worse by the piles of waste accumulated there. Vera said the situation "makes the kids vomit, have diarrhea and skin diseases." To avoid these dangers, authorities of the SEN and of the Asuncion municipality urge those living near flooded zones to move to what they call refuges, public areas like plazas and vacant lots where those left homeless are relocated into flimsy tents they have to put together themselves. The overcrowding in those areas doesn't spare people from the unhealthiness, since aside from some portable restrooms, they don't have enough sanitary resources or waste collections. The main sources of work in the neighborhood are the nearby shipyards, which make large-tonnage ships, but according to local residents, they stop working when "the water rises," Ismael Martinez, 36, told EFE, adding that the rising river "stops the community from getting ahead." Added to those problems is the isolation they escape by moving around in boats, piloted by some local inhabitants like Agustin Gonzalez, 51, who said that in the flooded areas "there's the danger of many reptiles, particularly vipers," which means "people have to use boats to get to work." For his part, Martinez pointed to the need to "compensate people" who lose their homes and must "start all over again."

Paraguay floods leave riverside areas increasingly unhealthy

Israel said on Monday it was sending emergency aid worth $10,000 to Guatemala, where a volcano erupted killing at least 25 people.

Foreign ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon said on Twitter they money will be used to buy emergency equipment, namely medication, food, blankets.

Israel will coordinate further needs with Guatemalan authorities, he said.

Guatemala was one of the few countries to side with the United States after President Donald Trump's December recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital, breaking with decades of US diplomacy and international consensus.

On May 16, Guatemala opened its new embassy in Jerusalem, just two days after the US. Since then Paraguay has also followed suit.

Guatemala's 3,763-meter (12,346-foot) Fuego volcano, located 35 kilometres southwest of the capital, erupted on Sunday, killing at least 25 people and forcing the evacuation of more than 3,000 people.

Foreign ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon said on Twitter they money will be used to buy emergency equipment, namely medication, food, blankets

Israel said on Monday it was sending emergency aid worth $10,000 to Guatemala, where a volcano erupted killing at least 25 people. Foreign ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon said on Twitter they money will be used to buy emergency equipment, namely medication, food, blankets. Israel will coordinate further needs with Guatemalan authorities, he said. Guatemala was one of the few countries to side with the United States after President Donald Trump's December recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital, breaking with decades of US diplomacy and international consensus. On May 16, Guatemala opened its new embassy in Jerusalem, just two days after the US. Since then Paraguay has also followed suit. Guatemala's 3,763-meter (12,346-foot) Fuego volcano, located 35 kilometres southwest of the capital, erupted on Sunday, killing at least 25 people and forcing the evacuation of more than 3,000 people.

Israel sends emergency aid worth $10,000 to Guatemala after volcano

After Guatemala decided to open its<a href="Watch: US embassy road signs begin appearing in Jerusalem"> embassy in Jerusalem, Paraguay </a>said it would also open its embassy in the holy city just days ahead of the opening of the US embassy in the region.

President Trump in December had recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and had decided to move the US embassy to the area which is disputed by the Israeli's and Palestinians.

In March Guatemala's president, Jimmy Morales had said his country would be moving its embassy to Jerusalem on May 16th, two days after the US opens its embassy.

"Paraguay President Horacio Cartes plans to come to Israel by the end of the month to open an embassy in Jerusalem," Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon said.

A Paraguay government spokesman said President Cartes was scheduling a trip to Israel to move the embassy on May 21 or May 22.

Meanwhile, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas expressed concern over other nations opening embassies in Jerusalem, saying he hoped other nations in the American continent will not open their embassies in Jerusalem.

Earlier, 128 countries in the United Nations had voted against recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Isreal, despite this Israeli PM Netanyahu had said several countries were "seriously discussing" on opening their embassy in the holy city.

<iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fMzCp28AFIs" width="560"></iframe>

A Paraguay government spokesman said President Cartes was scheduling a trip to Israel to move the embassy on May 21 or May 22.

After Guatemala decided to open its embassy in Jerusalem, Paraguay said it would also open its embassy in the holy city just days ahead of the opening of the US embassy in the region. President Trump in December had recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and had decided to move the US embassy to the area which is disputed by the Israeli's and Palestinians. In March Guatemala's president, Jimmy Morales had said his country would be moving its embassy to Jerusalem on May 16th, two days after the US opens its embassy. "Paraguay President Horacio Cartes plans to come to Israel by the end of the month to open an embassy in Jerusalem," Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon said. A Paraguay government spokesman said President Cartes was scheduling a trip to Israel to move the embassy on May 21 or May 22. Meanwhile, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas expressed concern over other nations opening embassies in Jerusalem, saying he hoped other nations in the American continent will not open their embassies in Jerusalem. Earlier, 128 countries in the United Nations had voted against recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Isreal, despite this Israeli PM Netanyahu had said several countries were "seriously discussing" on opening their embassy in the holy city.

After US & Guatemala, Paraguay to open embassy in Jerusalem

Paraguay will move its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem by the end of May, a Paraguay government spokesman and the Israeli foreign ministry said on Monday, following the United States and Guatemala.

"Paraguay President Horacio Cartes plans to come to Israel by the end of the month to open an embassy in Jerusalem," Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon said in a statement.

A Paraguay government spokesman said Cartes was scheduling a trip to Israel to move the embassy on May 21 or May 22.

The announcement comes one week before the United States embassy opens in Jerusalem on May 14 in accordance with President Donald Trump's Dec. 6 recognition of the city as Israel's capital.

The U.S. move has delighted Israel and infuriated Palestinians.

Israel captured East Jerusalem from Jordanian control in the 1967 Middle East war and annexed it in a move not recognised internationally. The last round of peace talks on a Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip collapsed in 2014.

Israel says Jerusalem is its eternal and indivisible capital, while the Palestinians want the eastern part of the city as the capital of their own future independent state.

In March Guatemala's president, Jimmy Morales, said that his country would move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem on May 16, two days after the U.S. move.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in April that "at least half a dozen" countries were now "seriously discussing" following the U.S. lead, but he did not identify them.

In December, 128 countries voted in a non-binding U.N. General Assembly resolution calling on the United States to drop its recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Nine voted against, 35 abstained and 21 did not cast a vote.

Paraguay's embassy is currently located near Tel Aviv.

A Paraguay government spokesman said President Horacio Cartes was scheduling a trip to Israel to move the embassy on May 21 or May 22

Paraguay will move its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem by the end of May, a Paraguay government spokesman and the Israeli foreign ministry said on Monday, following the United States and Guatemala. "Paraguay President Horacio Cartes plans to come to Israel by the end of the month to open an embassy in Jerusalem," Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon said in a statement. A Paraguay government spokesman said Cartes was scheduling a trip to Israel to move the embassy on May 21 or May 22. The announcement comes one week before the United States embassy opens in Jerusalem on May 14 in accordance with President Donald Trump's Dec. 6 recognition of the city as Israel's capital. The U.S. move has delighted Israel and infuriated Palestinians. Israel captured East Jerusalem from Jordanian control in the 1967 Middle East war and annexed it in a move not recognised internationally. The last round of peace talks on a Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip collapsed in 2014. Israel says Jerusalem is its eternal and indivisible capital, while the Palestinians want the eastern part of the city as the capital of their own future independent state. In March Guatemala's president, Jimmy Morales, said that his country would move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem on May 16, two days after the U.S. move. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in April that "at least half a dozen" countries were now "seriously discussing" following the U.S. lead, but he did not identify them. In December, 128 countries voted in a non-binding U.N. General Assembly resolution calling on the United States to drop its recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Nine voted against, 35 abstained and 21 did not cast a vote. Paraguay's embassy is currently located near Tel Aviv.

Paraguay to move its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem

Paraguay will pick a new president in Sunday's election with the ruling Colorado Party expected to keep power but lose seats in Congress, which could complicate its pro-business agenda and raise the risk of higher taxes on the country's key farm sector.

Mario Abdo, a 46-year-old former senator who campaigned for the Colorado Party on an anti-corruption platform, supports current low-tax policies aimed at stimulating foreign investment and agricultural production in Paraguay, the world's No. 4 soybean exporter and a major supplier of beef.

Abdo has promised to fight pressure to raise taxes despite calls from the opposition for a levy on soybean exports. Polls show him 18 to 20 points ahead of candidate Efrain Alegre, a lawyer from the center-left GANAR coalition.

Outgoing president Horacio Cartes, who tried but failed to change the constitution to allow him to seek a second consecutive term, is running for a Senate seat on Sunday.

Abdo is the son of the private secretary of dictator Alfredo Stroessner, who ruled Paraguay with an iron hand for 35 years. Abdo, who was 16 when his father's regime ended in 1989, vows to respect human rights and democratic institutions if elected.

"My leadership style is not to impose my ideas," he recently said on television.

Grains-dependent Paraguay produced more than 10 million tonnes of soy last year and is trying to attract investment needed to reach its goal of 20 million tonnes by 2028.

Polls say Abdo's party is likely to lose some of the 20 seats it has in Paraguay's 45-member Senate, which last year debated a bill to slap a 10 percent tax on soybean exports.

"The push for an export tax will intensify after the election, which is likely to see the empowering of the Frente Guasu, a major proponent of the initiative, and a party which is expected to substantially increase its presence in Congress," said Thomaz Favaro, an analyst for consultancy Control Risks

Abdo may be forced to support the export tax in order to safeguard other parts of his investment-friendly agenda.

"Uncertainty over the level of taxation for the agriculture industry will thus likely persist in the short-to-medium term," Favaro said.

About 4.2 million Paraguayans are eligible to vote in the election. The new president will take office on August 15.

Paraguay will pick a new president in Sunday's election with the ruling Colorado Party expected to keep power

Paraguay will pick a new president in Sunday's election with the ruling Colorado Party expected to keep power but lose seats in Congress, which could complicate its pro-business agenda and raise the risk of higher taxes on the country's key farm sector. Mario Abdo, a 46-year-old former senator who campaigned for the Colorado Party on an anti-corruption platform, supports current low-tax policies aimed at stimulating foreign investment and agricultural production in Paraguay, the world's No. 4 soybean exporter and a major supplier of beef. Abdo has promised to fight pressure to raise taxes despite calls from the opposition for a levy on soybean exports. Polls show him 18 to 20 points ahead of candidate Efrain Alegre, a lawyer from the center-left GANAR coalition. Outgoing president Horacio Cartes, who tried but failed to change the constitution to allow him to seek a second consecutive term, is running for a Senate seat on Sunday. Abdo is the son of the private secretary of dictator Alfredo Stroessner, who ruled Paraguay with an iron hand for 35 years. Abdo, who was 16 when his father's regime ended in 1989, vows to respect human rights and democratic institutions if elected. "My leadership style is not to impose my ideas," he recently said on television. Grains-dependent Paraguay produced more than 10 million tonnes of soy last year and is trying to attract investment needed to reach its goal of 20 million tonnes by 2028. Polls say Abdo's party is likely to lose some of the 20 seats it has in Paraguay's 45-member Senate, which last year debated a bill to slap a 10 percent tax on soybean exports. "The push for an export tax will intensify after the election, which is likely to see the empowering of the Frente Guasu, a major proponent of the initiative, and a party which is expected to substantially increase its presence in Congress," said Thomaz Favaro, an analyst for consultancy Control Risks Abdo may be forced to support the export tax in order to safeguard other parts of his investment-friendly agenda. "Uncertainty over the level of taxation for the agriculture industry will thus likely persist in the short-to-medium term," Favaro said. About 4.2 million Paraguayans are eligible to vote in the election. The new president will take office on August 15.

Conservatives seen keeping power as Paraguay goes to the polls

Protesters stormed and set fire to Paraguay&#39;s Congress on Friday after the Senate secretly voted for a constitutional amendment that would allow President Horacio Cartes to run for re-election, a change that will also require approval by the House.

The country&#39;s constitution has prohibited re-election since it was passed in 1992 after a brutal dictatorship fell in 1989.

&quot;A coup has been carried out. We will resist and we invite the people to resist with us,&quot; said Senator Desiree Masi from the opposition Progressive Democratic Party.

Television images showed protesters breaking windows of the Congress and clashing with police, burning tires and removing parts of the fences surrounding the building. Police in riot gear responded by lobbing tear gas and firing rubber bullets.

Several politicians and journalists were injured, local media reported, and Interior Minister Tadeo Rojas said many police were hurt.

Cartes called for calm and a rejection of violence in a statement released on Twitter.

&quot;Democracy is not conquered or defended with violence and you can be sure this government will continue to put its best effort into maintaining order in the republic,&quot; he said.

The number of casualties was unknown. Several people were inside Congress as the flames spread and television images showed firefighters arriving on foot to fight the blaze concentrated on the first floor of the building.

The unrest coincides with a rare high-level international event in the landlocked South American country. Thousands of businessmen and government officials descended on the capital city of Asuncion this week for the Inter-American Development Bank&#39;s annual board of governors meeting.

While Paraguay long suffered from political uncertainty, the soy and beef-exporting nation has been attracting investment in agriculture and manufacturing sectors in recent years as Cartes offered tax breaks to foreign investors. Instability in the country of 6.8 million is a concern for its much larger neighbors Brazil and Argentina.

Secret session

The Senate voted earlier on Friday during a special session in a closed office in Congress rather than on the Senate floor. Twenty-five lawmakers voted for the measure, two more than the 23 required for passage in the 45-member upper chamber.

Opponents of the measure, who claim it would weaken Paraguay&#39;s democratic institutions, said the vote was illegal.

The proposal goes to the House, where it appeared to have strong support. A vote expected to take place early on Saturday was called off until the situation calmed down, said the chamber&#39;s president, Hugo Velazquez.

&quot;I call for calm,&quot; Velazquez said. &quot;Tomorrow we will not take any decision; we will not hold a session.&quot;

Several Latin American countries, including Paraguay, Peru and Chile, prevent presidents from running for consecutive terms in a region where the memories of military dictatorships remain ripe.

Others, including Colombia and Venezuela, have changed their constitutions to give sitting presidents a chance at re-election.

Paraguay&#39;s measure would apply to future presidents and Cartes, a soft-drink and tobacco mogul elected to a five-year term in 2013.

His strongest backers want him to be allowed to run for another term next year, but critics of the measure have said a constitutional change aimed at benefiting a sitting president would be unfair.

The change would also apply to former President Fernando Lugo, whose supporters want to be allowed to run for another term. Congress voted to oust Lugo in 2012 saying he had failed in his duty to maintain social order following a bloody land eviction. The rapid impeachment drew strong criticism in Latin America, especially from fellow leftist governments.

A similar re-election proposal had been rejected in August and Congress this week voted to change the rules that required lawmakers to wait a year before voting again.

&quot;Everything was done legally,&quot; said Senator Carlos Filizzola of the leftist Guasu Front coalition, which supports the constitutional amendment as a way of allowing Lugo to return as Paraguay&#39;s leader.

(Reuters)

They were protesting a secret vote by the Senate that would allow President Horacio Cartes to run for re-election

Protesters stormed and set fire to Paraguay's Congress on Friday after the Senate secretly voted for a constitutional amendment that would allow President Horacio Cartes to run for re-election, a change that will also require approval by the House. The country's constitution has prohibited re-election since it was passed in 1992 after a brutal dictatorship fell in 1989. "A coup has been carried out. We will resist and we invite the people to resist with us," said Senator Desiree Masi from the opposition Progressive Democratic Party. Television images showed protesters breaking windows of the Congress and clashing with police, burning tires and removing parts of the fences surrounding the building. Police in riot gear responded by lobbing tear gas and firing rubber bullets. Several politicians and journalists were injured, local media reported, and Interior Minister Tadeo Rojas said many police were hurt. Cartes called for calm and a rejection of violence in a statement released on Twitter. "Democracy is not conquered or defended with violence and you can be sure this government will continue to put its best effort into maintaining order in the republic," he said. The number of casualties was unknown. Several people were inside Congress as the flames spread and television images showed firefighters arriving on foot to fight the blaze concentrated on the first floor of the building. The unrest coincides with a rare high-level international event in the landlocked South American country. Thousands of businessmen and government officials descended on the capital city of Asuncion this week for the Inter-American Development Bank's annual board of governors meeting. While Paraguay long suffered from political uncertainty, the soy and beef-exporting nation has been attracting investment in agriculture and manufacturing sectors in recent years as Cartes offered tax breaks to foreign investors. Instability in the country of 6.8 million is a concern for its much larger neighbors Brazil and Argentina. Secret session The Senate voted earlier on Friday during a special session in a closed office in Congress rather than on the Senate floor. Twenty-five lawmakers voted for the measure, two more than the 23 required for passage in the 45-member upper chamber. Opponents of the measure, who claim it would weaken Paraguay's democratic institutions, said the vote was illegal. The proposal goes to the House, where it appeared to have strong support. A vote expected to take place early on Saturday was called off until the situation calmed down, said the chamber's president, Hugo Velazquez. "I call for calm," Velazquez said. "Tomorrow we will not take any decision; we will not hold a session." Several Latin American countries, including Paraguay, Peru and Chile, prevent presidents from running for consecutive terms in a region where the memories of military dictatorships remain ripe. Others, including Colombia and Venezuela, have changed their constitutions to give sitting presidents a chance at re-election. Paraguay's measure would apply to future presidents and Cartes, a soft-drink and tobacco mogul elected to a five-year term in 2013. His strongest backers want him to be allowed to run for another term next year, but critics of the measure have said a constitutional change aimed at benefiting a sitting president would be unfair. The change would also apply to former President Fernando Lugo, whose supporters want to be allowed to run for another term. Congress voted to oust Lugo in 2012 saying he had failed in his duty to maintain social order following a bloody land eviction. The rapid impeachment drew strong criticism in Latin America, especially from fellow leftist governments. A similar re-election proposal had been rejected in August and Congress this week voted to change the rules that required lawmakers to wait a year before voting again. "Everything was done legally," said Senator Carlos Filizzola of the leftist Guasu Front coalition, which supports the constitutional amendment as a way of allowing Lugo to return as Paraguay's leader. (Reuters)

Protesters set Paraguay Congress on fire

Argentina sorely missed its injured captain and star player Lionel Messi as it suffered a humiliating defeat at&nbsp;hands of Paraguay in their World Cup qualifier on home turf.&nbsp;

Paraguay stunned the two-time world champions with a fast break from deep in their own half, Angel Romero playing the ball into the path of Derlis Gonzalez who beat Sergio Romero with a shot inside the near post in the 18th minute.&nbsp;

Argentina missed an opportunity just two minutes into the second half to get back on level, but Paraguay captain Justo Villar saved Sergio Aguero&#39;s weak penalty.

The defeat left the side five points behind new leaders Brazil in the South American group, who won 2-0 in Venezuela. The Argentine side will be desperate to have Messi back in shape for their next qualifier away to Brazil in Belo Horizonte on November 10.

Brazil leads the standings with 21 points from 10 matches, Uruguay is second with 20 points while Ecuador and Colombia are third and fourth respectively with 17 points apiece.&nbsp;

Brazil&#39;s striker Gabriel Jesus opened the scoring at Estadio Metropolitano in Merida on Tuesday by chipping over goalkeeper Hernandez Santos after some poor defending by Venezuela. Willian later made it 2-0 just after halftime with a slick first-time finish following a Renato Augusto cross.

The top four will go through to the 2018 World Cup finals in Russia, while the fifth-placed side go into an intercontinental playoff for another berth. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Lacking inspiration from captain Lionel Messi, Argentina suffered a 1-0 defeat at home to Paraguay

Argentina sorely missed its injured captain and star player Lionel Messi as it suffered a humiliating defeat at hands of Paraguay in their World Cup qualifier on home turf. Paraguay stunned the two-time world champions with a fast break from deep in their own half, Angel Romero playing the ball into the path of Derlis Gonzalez who beat Sergio Romero with a shot inside the near post in the 18th minute. Argentina missed an opportunity just two minutes into the second half to get back on level, but Paraguay captain Justo Villar saved Sergio Aguero's weak penalty. The defeat left the side five points behind new leaders Brazil in the South American group, who won 2-0 in Venezuela. The Argentine side will be desperate to have Messi back in shape for their next qualifier away to Brazil in Belo Horizonte on November 10. Brazil leads the standings with 21 points from 10 matches, Uruguay is second with 20 points while Ecuador and Colombia are third and fourth respectively with 17 points apiece. Brazil's striker Gabriel Jesus opened the scoring at Estadio Metropolitano in Merida on Tuesday by chipping over goalkeeper Hernandez Santos after some poor defending by Venezuela. Willian later made it 2-0 just after halftime with a slick first-time finish following a Renato Augusto cross. The top four will go through to the 2018 World Cup finals in Russia, while the fifth-placed side go into an intercontinental playoff for another berth. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Argentina suffers defeat in WC qualifiers, Brazil tops South American group

Colombia became the first side to book a spot in the Copa America Centenario quarter-finals after beating Paraguay in Pasadena yesterday. The United States kept their hopes of advancing alive by thrashing Costa Rica 4-0. 
 
Colombia&#39;s 2-1 win put them top of Group A on six points, with the United States on three and the other two teams on one point each. 
 
After losing their opener 2-0 to Colombia, the United States were in clinical form against the Costa Ricans in Chicago and scored three times in the first half through Clint Dempsey, Jermaine Jones and Bobby Wood. 
 
Substitute Graham Zusi added a fourth in the 86th minute to cap the win and improve the hosts&#39; goal difference. 
 
&quot;It was important for us to get off to an early start,&quot; said Dempsey. &quot;Once the second went in and the third we got into a bit of a rhythm.&quot; 
 
Dempsey got the first, his 50th international goal, from the penalty spot after Cristian Gamboa was adjudged to have pushed Wood in the box with six minutes gone. 
 
Dempsey was involved in the Americans&#39; second after 36 minutes when his run at the Costa Rica defence saw the ball fall to Jones, who struck a low shot from the edge of the box past the outstretched hand of goalkeeper Patrick Pemberton. 
 
The third goal came five minutes later and once again it was Dempsey who set it up. Wood won the ball in midfield and played a one-two with Dempsey before turning to strike home a low drive from 15 yards out. 
 
Costa Rica, who reached the World Cup quarter-finals in 2014, improved in the second half with captain Bryan Ruiz playing a more influential role, but they were ineffective in the last third of the field. 
 
Ruiz hit the post with a header midway through the second half but Costa Rica lost a fourth goal in the dying moments when Zusi stole the ball in midfield and strode forward before slotting the ball home from 15 yards. 
 
In the second Group A game, played at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, Colombia took a 2-0 lead in the first half but were pushed hard in the second. 
 
Carlos Bacca scored the opener in the 12th minute with a header before James Rodriguez doubled Colombia&#39;s lead with a left-foot strike on the half-hour mark. 
 
Paraguay gradually played their way back into the match and hit the woodwork before half-time before forcing David Ospina into a world-class save in the 62nd minute. Colombia&#39;s goalkeeper dived full stretch to turn a header around the post. 
 
Paraguay continued to dominate the second half and were rewarded when midfielder Victor Ayala scored with a stunning 30-yard rocket in the 71st minute. 
 
However, they could not force an equaliser and Colombia hung on to take all three points and claim a berth in the next round. Paraguay must now beat the United States on Saturday to have any chance of advancing to the quarters.

United States player Clint Dempsey scored his 50th international goal in this match apart from assisting two other goals

Colombia became the first side to book a spot in the Copa America Centenario quarter-finals after beating Paraguay in Pasadena yesterday. The United States kept their hopes of advancing alive by thrashing Costa Rica 4-0. Colombia's 2-1 win put them top of Group A on six points, with the United States on three and the other two teams on one point each. After losing their opener 2-0 to Colombia, the United States were in clinical form against the Costa Ricans in Chicago and scored three times in the first half through Clint Dempsey, Jermaine Jones and Bobby Wood. Substitute Graham Zusi added a fourth in the 86th minute to cap the win and improve the hosts' goal difference. "It was important for us to get off to an early start," said Dempsey. "Once the second went in and the third we got into a bit of a rhythm." Dempsey got the first, his 50th international goal, from the penalty spot after Cristian Gamboa was adjudged to have pushed Wood in the box with six minutes gone. Dempsey was involved in the Americans' second after 36 minutes when his run at the Costa Rica defence saw the ball fall to Jones, who struck a low shot from the edge of the box past the outstretched hand of goalkeeper Patrick Pemberton. The third goal came five minutes later and once again it was Dempsey who set it up. Wood won the ball in midfield and played a one-two with Dempsey before turning to strike home a low drive from 15 yards out. Costa Rica, who reached the World Cup quarter-finals in 2014, improved in the second half with captain Bryan Ruiz playing a more influential role, but they were ineffective in the last third of the field. Ruiz hit the post with a header midway through the second half but Costa Rica lost a fourth goal in the dying moments when Zusi stole the ball in midfield and strode forward before slotting the ball home from 15 yards. In the second Group A game, played at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, Colombia took a 2-0 lead in the first half but were pushed hard in the second. Carlos Bacca scored the opener in the 12th minute with a header before James Rodriguez doubled Colombia's lead with a left-foot strike on the half-hour mark. Paraguay gradually played their way back into the match and hit the woodwork before half-time before forcing David Ospina into a world-class save in the 62nd minute. Colombia's goalkeeper dived full stretch to turn a header around the post. Paraguay continued to dominate the second half and were rewarded when midfielder Victor Ayala scored with a stunning 30-yard rocket in the 71st minute. However, they could not force an equaliser and Colombia hung on to take all three points and claim a berth in the next round. Paraguay must now beat the United States on Saturday to have any chance of advancing to the quarters.

US hammer Costa Rica, Colombia advance at Copa America

The man behind the 2012 massacre of 17 police and farmers in Paraguay, in a crisis that helped bring down a president, was sentenced to 35 years in prison on Monday. 
 
Farmers&#39; leader Ruben Villalba was handed the stiffest possible sentence for the killings in Curuguaty, 250 kilometres (155 miles) northwest of the capital.&nbsp;The violence broke out when authorities ordered police in to remove landless farmers who were squatting on ranch land they did not own there. 
 
It helped lead to leftist then president Fernando Lugo&#39;s impeachment.&nbsp;Three other suspects convicted along with Villalba were sentenced to terms between 18 and 20 years.&nbsp;Hundreds of Lugo supporters rallied outside the Justice Ministry against the sentences. 
 
Lugo, a former Roman Catholic bishop, was seen as close to leaders of South America&#39;s hard left.&nbsp;His vice president served out his term but was not recognised by some countries, and international organisations.&nbsp;Conservative President Horacio Cartes since 2013 has moved the country back to full recognition and international involvement.&nbsp; 
 
(AFP)

The violence, at the end of which 17 policemen and farmers died, also led to the impeachment of ex-president?Fernando Lugo

The man behind the 2012 massacre of 17 police and farmers in Paraguay, in a crisis that helped bring down a president, was sentenced to 35 years in prison on Monday. Farmers' leader Ruben Villalba was handed the stiffest possible sentence for the killings in Curuguaty, 250 kilometres (155 miles) northwest of the capital. The violence broke out when authorities ordered police in to remove landless farmers who were squatting on ranch land they did not own there. It helped lead to leftist then president Fernando Lugo's impeachment. Three other suspects convicted along with Villalba were sentenced to terms between 18 and 20 years. Hundreds of Lugo supporters rallied outside the Justice Ministry against the sentences. Lugo, a former Roman Catholic bishop, was seen as close to leaders of South America's hard left. His vice president served out his term but was not recognised by some countries, and international organisations. Conservative President Horacio Cartes since 2013 has moved the country back to full recognition and international involvement. (AFP)

Paraguay farmers' leader gets 35 years for 2012 massacre

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