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

Ecuador is 3rd worst affected nation of COVID-19 in Latin America. Ecuador is a country straddling the equator on South America’s west coast. It has reported 3,465 positive cases so far.

Ecuador is 3rd worst affected nation of COVID-19 in Latin America, 3465 cases reported so far

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/entertainment-grave-of-the-fireflies-director-and-co-founder-of-studio-ghibli-isao-takahata-dies-at-82-128654">Fireflies </a>are on the verge of extinction due to loss of their natural habitat, the exposure to pesticides and artificial lights, according to the first major review of their global status.

The study was published on Monday in the journal 'Bioscience'.

More than 2,000 species of fireflies illuminate wetlands, marshes, grasslands, forests and urban parks worldwide.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/only-ten-years-to-save-worlds-biodiversity-from-extinction-un-274629">Only ten years to save world's biodiversity from extinction: UN</a>

Some species are being extinguished by the ever-expanding ecological footprint of human beings according to Sara Lewis, a professor of biology at Tufts University and the lead researcher of the study

These species are adversely affected by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/only-ten-years-to-save-worlds-biodiversity-from-extinction-un-274629">loss of habitat </a>because they need specific conditions to complete their life cycle, she added.

<img alt="A firefly display tree" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d454f28b-e990-4f0a-8ef0-9eb9eba39fc1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202020-02-04T120840.150.jpg" />

She gave the example of the Malaysian firefly "Pteroptyx tener"&nbsp;which during its larval phase lives in riverside mangroves.

Many of these have been sacrificed to make way for palm oil plantations and fish farms.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/climate-change-pandemics-biodiversity-loss-no-country-is-sufficiently-prepared-260057">Climate change, pandemics, biodiversity loss: No country is sufficiently prepared</a>

The female glowworms are flightless, which means that they can't fly to a new location when their habitat is taken over by a suburb, commercial crop or country road.

Surprisingly, the researchers found that the use of artificial light at night was the second most serious threat to the creatures.

Out of the 10 possible driving forces of extinction, experts said that habitat loss as the top threat everywhere except in east Asia and in South America.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-earth-experiencing-another-mass-extinction-event-267920"> Is earth experiencing another 'mass extinction event'?</a>

In those two regions, artificial light was seen as the biggest problem in the world's fireflies.

Many species of firefly depend on their ability to light up to find and attract mates.&nbsp;The window of opportunity for them to mate is very narrow as adults typically live only a few days.&nbsp;

The twinkling beetles focus so much on reproducing that they don't even eat.&nbsp;

The survey found that fireflies are also being decimated by commonly used insecticides, the third major threat.

"Organophosphates and neonicotinoids are designed to kill pests, yet they also have off-target effects on beneficial insects," the researchers wrote.

The authors said guidelines were needed to establish and manage tourist sites that outline the best way to protect the fireflies from trampling, light pollution, and pesticides.

Fireflies are on the verge of extinction due to loss of their natural habitat, the exposure to pesticides and artificial lights, according to the first major review of their global status.

Fireflies are on the verge of extinction due to loss of their natural habitat, the exposure to pesticides and artificial lights, according to the first major review of their global status. The study was published on Monday in the journal 'Bioscience'. More than 2,000 species of fireflies illuminate wetlands, marshes, grasslands, forests and urban parks worldwide. Also read: Only ten years to save world's biodiversity from extinction: UN Some species are being extinguished by the ever-expanding ecological footprint of human beings according to Sara Lewis, a professor of biology at Tufts University and the lead researcher of the study These species are adversely affected by the loss of habitat because they need specific conditions to complete their life cycle, she added. She gave the example of the Malaysian firefly "Pteroptyx tener" which during its larval phase lives in riverside mangroves. Many of these have been sacrificed to make way for palm oil plantations and fish farms. Also read: Climate change, pandemics, biodiversity loss: No country is sufficiently prepared The female glowworms are flightless, which means that they can't fly to a new location when their habitat is taken over by a suburb, commercial crop or country road. Surprisingly, the researchers found that the use of artificial light at night was the second most serious threat to the creatures. Out of the 10 possible driving forces of extinction, experts said that habitat loss as the top threat everywhere except in east Asia and in South America. Also read: Is earth experiencing another 'mass extinction event'? In those two regions, artificial light was seen as the biggest problem in the world's fireflies. Many species of firefly depend on their ability to light up to find and attract mates. The window of opportunity for them to mate is very narrow as adults typically live only a few days. The twinkling beetles focus so much on reproducing that they don't even eat. The survey found that fireflies are also being decimated by commonly used insecticides, the third major threat. "Organophosphates and neonicotinoids are designed to kill pests, yet they also have off-target effects on beneficial insects," the researchers wrote. The authors said guidelines were needed to establish and manage tourist sites that outline the best way to protect the fireflies from trampling, light pollution, and pesticides.

Fireflies on verge of extinction: Study

Peruvian police said on Tuesday (January 14) they would deport five tourists and prosecute another after they allegedly damaged stonework and defecated among the ruins at Machu Picchu, an Incan citadel that is one of South America's most renowned tourist attractions.

Peru arrests tourists for reportedly defecating, damaging sacred Machu Picchu temple

There are now over 4.5 million Venezuelan refugees and migrants living outside the country according to the UN's refugee agency and the outflow of people shows no signs of slowing down due to political and economic crisis in the South American country.

Venezuelan exodus and need for aid will increase in 2020 -UN

Colombia joined the global wave of unrest, over 18 days of continuous protests.

Colombia joined the global wave of unrest

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/chile-unveils-55-billion-stimulus-plan-as-economy-shrinks-265904">Chile&nbsp;is investigating</a> "excessive internet traffic" that could signal that an&nbsp;Eastern&nbsp;European&nbsp;country stoked weeks of deadly unrest, Foreign Minister Teodoro Ribero said Tuesday.

"Chilean international organisms are investigating whether or not there is direct international&nbsp;interference," Ribero told reporters.

"What we do know is that in the days after October 18, there was an important share of internet use coming from a country in&nbsp;Eastern&nbsp;Europe to&nbsp;Chile," he said.&nbsp;

He did not name the country nor give further details about the nature of the alleged&nbsp;interference.

"There is excessive internet traffic" around that period, Ribero said, including the "creation of false profiles."

Ribera's comments come after Russia denied US accusations that it used online trolling to stir up tensions in&nbsp;Chile, where 23 people have died in weeks of violent demonstrations that swept the South American country from October 18.

In a late October phone call to his&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-21-dead-after-bus-flips-in-chile-265797">Chile&nbsp;counterpart Sebastian Pinera</a>, US President Donald Trump "denounced foreign efforts to undermine Chilean institutions, democracy or society," according to the White House.

Chile is investigating "excessive internet traffic" that could signal that an Eastern European country stoked weeks of deadly unrest, Foreign Minister Teodoro Ribero said Tuesday.

Chile is investigating "excessive internet traffic" that could signal that an Eastern European country stoked weeks of deadly unrest, Foreign Minister Teodoro Ribero said Tuesday. "Chilean international organisms are investigating whether or not there is direct international interference," Ribero told reporters. "What we do know is that in the days after October 18, there was an important share of internet use coming from a country in Eastern Europe to Chile," he said. He did not name the country nor give further details about the nature of the alleged interference. "There is excessive internet traffic" around that period, Ribero said, including the "creation of false profiles." Ribera's comments come after Russia denied US accusations that it used online trolling to stir up tensions in Chile, where 23 people have died in weeks of violent demonstrations that swept the South American country from October 18. In a late October phone call to his Chile counterpart Sebastian Pinera, US President Donald Trump "denounced foreign efforts to undermine Chilean institutions, democracy or society," according to the White House.

Chile probes Eastern European interference in protests

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alberto-fernandez-wins-argentina-presidential-election-258405">President-elect Alberto Fernandez</a> said Tuesday he will make good on Argentina's debt payments but without new austerity measures because people in his country are already hard-pressed financially.

"We cannot make more fiscal adjustments because the situation is enormously complicated," Fernandez, a centre-left Peronist, said in a statement after speaking with IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva.

Fernandez's predecessor Mauricio Macri last year negotiated a $57 billion bailout from the IMF to halt a devastating currency skid.

The economy is in recession and expected to shrink by 3.1 per cent this year, according to the IMF. More than a third of the population lives below the poverty line. Inflation is running at 42 per cent.

Watch: Alberto Fernandez wins presidency

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-argentina-elections-alberto-fernandez-wins-presidency-258567/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Fernandez, with former president Cristina Kirchner as his running mate, defeated Macri in October elections.

The return of the Peronists had prompted fears that Argentina might not live up to its debt obligations.

The government has important debt payments coming up next year, both principal and interest.

The government says that as of the second quarter of this year Argentina's debt totalled $336 billion, or 80 per cent of GDP.

President-elect Alberto Fernandez said Tuesday he will make good on Argentina's debt payments but without new austerity measures because people in his country are already hard-pressed financially.

President-elect Alberto Fernandez said Tuesday he will make good on Argentina's debt payments but without new austerity measures because people in his country are already hard-pressed financially. "We cannot make more fiscal adjustments because the situation is enormously complicated," Fernandez, a centre-left Peronist, said in a statement after speaking with IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva. Fernandez's predecessor Mauricio Macri last year negotiated a $57 billion bailout from the IMF to halt a devastating currency skid. The economy is in recession and expected to shrink by 3.1 per cent this year, according to the IMF. More than a third of the population lives below the poverty line. Inflation is running at 42 per cent. Watch: Alberto Fernandez wins presidency Fernandez, with former president Cristina Kirchner as his running mate, defeated Macri in October elections. The return of the Peronists had prompted fears that Argentina might not live up to its debt obligations. The government has important debt payments coming up next year, both principal and interest. The government says that as of the second quarter of this year Argentina's debt totalled $336 billion, or 80 per cent of GDP.

Argentina's President-elect vows to make good on debt without austerity measures

Bolivians are starting to feel the pinch of weeks-long turmoil roiling the South American country, with fuel shortages mounting and grocery stores short of basic goods as supporters of unseated leader Evo Morales blockade key transport routes.

Bolivians: Citizens go hungry as protests snarl cities

The Organisation of American States recommended on Sunday that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protesters-seize-state-run-media-in-bolivia-as-tensions-soar-261099">Bolivia hold new elections</a>, saying it had identified serious irregularities in the last vote that called into question the victory of President Evo Morales.

The international body said its audit of the October 20&nbsp;election had found "clear manipulations" of the voting system and it could not verify the result.

"The manipulations to the computer system are of such magnitude that they must be deeply investigated by the Bolivian State to get to the bottom of and assign responsibility in this serious case," the preliminary report said.

The OAS said it was not statistically likely that Morales had secured the 10 percentage point margin of victory needed to win outright and recommended Bolivia use new electoral authorities for any new vote.

"The first round of the elections held on October 20 must be annulled and the electoral process must begin again, with the first round taking place as soon as there are new conditions that give new guarantees for it to take place, including a newly composed electoral body," the OAS said in a press release.

Morales was declared the winner of the October election with a lead of just over 10 points over his rival Carlos Mesa, giving him an outright win. But there have been widespread protests since against the result after a near 24-hour halt in the count.

Morales, who came to power in 2006 as Bolivia’s first indigenous leader, has defended his election win but has said he would adhere to the findings of the OAS audit. He was expected to give a press conference on Sunday morning.

The weeks-long standoff over the disputed election escalated over the weekend as police forces were seen joining anti-government protests and the military said it would not "confront the people" over the issue.

Morales and his government have decried a "coup" against him by what they called "violent groups," prompting a number of fellow leftist leaders in the region, including Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, to rally around him and call for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

Morales' opponents, including Mesa and Luis Fernando Camacho, a civic leader from the eastern city of Santa Cruz who has become a symbol of the opposition, have repeatedly called for him to step down. Camacho said he plans to march to the government palace with a pre-written resignation letter for Morales to sign.

The Organisation of American States recommended on Sunday that Bolivia hold new elections, saying it had identified serious irregularities in the last vote that called into question the victory of President Evo Morales.

The Organisation of American States recommended on Sunday that Bolivia hold new elections, saying it had identified serious irregularities in the last vote that called into question the victory of President Evo Morales. The international body said its audit of the October 20 election had found "clear manipulations" of the voting system and it could not verify the result. "The manipulations to the computer system are of such magnitude that they must be deeply investigated by the Bolivian State to get to the bottom of and assign responsibility in this serious case," the preliminary report said. The OAS said it was not statistically likely that Morales had secured the 10 percentage point margin of victory needed to win outright and recommended Bolivia use new electoral authorities for any new vote. "The first round of the elections held on October 20 must be annulled and the electoral process must begin again, with the first round taking place as soon as there are new conditions that give new guarantees for it to take place, including a newly composed electoral body," the OAS said in a press release. Morales was declared the winner of the October election with a lead of just over 10 points over his rival Carlos Mesa, giving him an outright win. But there have been widespread protests since against the result after a near 24-hour halt in the count. Morales, who came to power in 2006 as Bolivia’s first indigenous leader, has defended his election win but has said he would adhere to the findings of the OAS audit. He was expected to give a press conference on Sunday morning. The weeks-long standoff over the disputed election escalated over the weekend as police forces were seen joining anti-government protests and the military said it would not "confront the people" over the issue. Morales and his government have decried a "coup" against him by what they called "violent groups," prompting a number of fellow leftist leaders in the region, including Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, to rally around him and call for a peaceful resolution to the crisis. Morales' opponents, including Mesa and Luis Fernando Camacho, a civic leader from the eastern city of Santa Cruz who has become a symbol of the opposition, have repeatedly called for him to step down. Camacho said he plans to march to the government palace with a pre-written resignation letter for Morales to sign.

Irregularities in disputed Bolivia vote, should hold new elections: Organisation of American States

In South America, Argentina's Peronist Alberto Fernandez has swept back into the power on Sunday by defeating Mauricio Macri in the election results. Watch this video to know more.

South America: Argentina's Peronists swept back into the power

Three people died in a fire in a supermarket being ransacked in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chiles-capital-stunned-by-violent-street-protests-256962">Chilean capital early Sunday</a>, as protests sparked by anger over social and economic conditions rocked one of Latin America's most stable countries.

Santiago's Mayor Karla Rubilar told reporters two people burned to death in the blaze and another later died in hospital, after the huge store controlled by US retail chain Walmart was looted.

They were the first deaths in two days of violent unrest in which protesters have set buses on fire, burned metro stations and clashed with riot police in the city of seven million, despite a curfew starting at 0100 GMT Sunday.

The protests were triggered by an unpopular hike in metro fares, which President Sebastian Pinera announced Saturday he was suspending.

He appealed to people taking to the streets, saying "there are good reasons to do so," but calling on them "to demonstrate peacefully" and saying "nobody has the right to act with brutal criminal violence."

But clashes later erupted in Plaza Italia, ground zero of Friday's violence, and outside the presidential palace.&nbsp;

Protesters again set buses on fire in downtown Santiago, leading to the suspension of services.

"We're sick and tired, enough already. We're tired of them screwing around with us. Politicians only do what they want to do, and turn their backs on all reality," said Javiera Alarcon, a 29-year-old sociologist protesting in front of the presidential palace, which was surrounded by police and military vehicles.

AFP video showed security forces blasting a crowd with water cannon, and riot police wrestling young protesters into vans.

"Having analyzed the situation and the appalling actions that occurred today, I have made the decision to suspend freedoms and movement through a total curfew," said Army General Javier Iturriaga, who is overseeing security during the state of emergency.

Later on Saturday, the mayors of Valparaiso region and Concepcion province also announced states of emergency.

Dozens of protesters torched a building belonging to Chile's oldest newspaper El Mercurio in Valparaiso city on Saturday evening, while elsewhere in the port city a metro station, supermarkets and other stores were burned.

#ChileDesperto

The unrest was sparked by a hike in metro fares, which increased from 800 to 830 peso ($1.13 to $1.17) for peak-hour travel, after a 20-peso hike in January.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chile-president-declares-state-of-emergency-after-violent-protests-256846">Pinera announced Saturday he was suspending the fare hike</a>, after the entire metro system was shut down the day prior with protesters burning and vandalising dozens of stations, leaving some completely charred.

The Santiago Metro, at 140 kilometres, is the largest and most modern in South America and a source of great pride for Chileans.

People awoke Saturday to a ravaged city as burned-out buses, bikes and garbage littered streets patrolled by soldiers, the first such deployment since Chile returned to democracy in 1990 after the rightwing Augusto Pinochet dictatorship.&nbsp;

Demonstrators shouted "enough with abuse," while the hashtag #ChileDesperto, Chile awake, made the rounds on social media.&nbsp;

Pinera's conservative government has been caught flat-footed by the worst social upheaval in decades.&nbsp;

It declared the state of emergency late Friday and ordered hundreds of troops into the streets.

People were infuriated by a photo of Pinera eating pizza in a restaurant with his family while the city burned.

Throughout Friday, rampaging protesters clashed with riot police in several parts of the capital while the headquarters of the ENEL Chile power company and a Banco Chile branch, both in the city centre, were set on fire and heavily damaged.

The state of emergency is initially set for 15 days and restricts freedom of movement and assembly.&nbsp;

Government 'perplexed and dazed'

The unrest started as a fare-dodging protest mainly by students against the hike in metro ticket prices, blamed on rising oil prices and a weaker peso.

There had been several fare-dodging actions in recent days, organized on social media, but the protests escalated Friday, tapping into general discontent among many Chileans.

Chile has the highest per capita income of Latin America at $20,000, with expected economic growth this year of 2.5 per cent and just two per cent inflation.

But there is an undercurrent of frustration with rising health care and utility costs, low pensions and social inequality.

The metro fare hike served to wake up a society that was averse to violence after the horrors of the Pinochet dictatorship from 1973-1990, which left more than 3,200 people dead or missing, sociologists say.

Three people died in a fire in a supermarket being ransacked in the Chilean capital early Sunday, as protests sparked by anger over social and economic conditions rocked one of Latin America's most stable countries.

Three people died in a fire in a supermarket being ransacked in the Chilean capital early Sunday, as protests sparked by anger over social and economic conditions rocked one of Latin America's most stable countries. Santiago's Mayor Karla Rubilar told reporters two people burned to death in the blaze and another later died in hospital, after the huge store controlled by US retail chain Walmart was looted. They were the first deaths in two days of violent unrest in which protesters have set buses on fire, burned metro stations and clashed with riot police in the city of seven million, despite a curfew starting at 0100 GMT Sunday. The protests were triggered by an unpopular hike in metro fares, which President Sebastian Pinera announced Saturday he was suspending. He appealed to people taking to the streets, saying "there are good reasons to do so," but calling on them "to demonstrate peacefully" and saying "nobody has the right to act with brutal criminal violence." But clashes later erupted in Plaza Italia, ground zero of Friday's violence, and outside the presidential palace. Protesters again set buses on fire in downtown Santiago, leading to the suspension of services. "We're sick and tired, enough already. We're tired of them screwing around with us. Politicians only do what they want to do, and turn their backs on all reality," said Javiera Alarcon, a 29-year-old sociologist protesting in front of the presidential palace, which was surrounded by police and military vehicles. AFP video showed security forces blasting a crowd with water cannon, and riot police wrestling young protesters into vans. "Having analyzed the situation and the appalling actions that occurred today, I have made the decision to suspend freedoms and movement through a total curfew," said Army General Javier Iturriaga, who is overseeing security during the state of emergency. Later on Saturday, the mayors of Valparaiso region and Concepcion province also announced states of emergency. Dozens of protesters torched a building belonging to Chile's oldest newspaper El Mercurio in Valparaiso city on Saturday evening, while elsewhere in the port city a metro station, supermarkets and other stores were burned. #ChileDesperto The unrest was sparked by a hike in metro fares, which increased from 800 to 830 peso ($1.13 to $1.17) for peak-hour travel, after a 20-peso hike in January. Pinera announced Saturday he was suspending the fare hike, after the entire metro system was shut down the day prior with protesters burning and vandalising dozens of stations, leaving some completely charred. The Santiago Metro, at 140 kilometres, is the largest and most modern in South America and a source of great pride for Chileans. People awoke Saturday to a ravaged city as burned-out buses, bikes and garbage littered streets patrolled by soldiers, the first such deployment since Chile returned to democracy in 1990 after the rightwing Augusto Pinochet dictatorship. Demonstrators shouted "enough with abuse," while the hashtag #ChileDesperto, Chile awake, made the rounds on social media. Pinera's conservative government has been caught flat-footed by the worst social upheaval in decades. It declared the state of emergency late Friday and ordered hundreds of troops into the streets. People were infuriated by a photo of Pinera eating pizza in a restaurant with his family while the city burned. Throughout Friday, rampaging protesters clashed with riot police in several parts of the capital while the headquarters of the ENEL Chile power company and a Banco Chile branch, both in the city centre, were set on fire and heavily damaged. The state of emergency is initially set for 15 days and restricts freedom of movement and assembly. Government 'perplexed and dazed' The unrest started as a fare-dodging protest mainly by students against the hike in metro ticket prices, blamed on rising oil prices and a weaker peso. There had been several fare-dodging actions in recent days, organized on social media, but the protests escalated Friday, tapping into general discontent among many Chileans. Chile has the highest per capita income of Latin America at $20,000, with expected economic growth this year of 2.5 per cent and just two per cent inflation. But there is an undercurrent of frustration with rising health care and utility costs, low pensions and social inequality. The metro fare hike served to wake up a society that was averse to violence after the horrors of the Pinochet dictatorship from 1973-1990, which left more than 3,200 people dead or missing, sociologists say.

Three dead in Chile protest violence

A 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck in the Pacific off the coast of Chile on Sunday, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) said.

"There is a low likelihood of casualties and damage," the USGS said of the earthquake, which it earlier reported as a magnitude 7.2, and which occurred 41 miles (66 kilometres) west-southwest of Constitucion, Chile.

Chile's National Seismological Center (CSN) put the quake at 6.6 magnitude.

Despite the tremor's strength, there were no reports of injuries, impacts to basic services or damage to infrastructure, according to Chile's National Emergency Office (ONEMI).

There were also no tsunami warnings, advisories, watches or threats in the wake of the earthquake, according to the US Tsunami Warning System.

Chile is one of the world's most earthquake-prone countries.

The 1960 Valdivia earthquake in Chile was, at 9.5, the strongest ever recorded on the magnitude scale, according to the USGS.

Chile lies on the Ring of Fire -- an arc of fault lines that circles the Pacific Basin and is prone to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

A 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck in the Pacific off the coast of Chile on Sunday, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) said. "There is a low likelihood of casualties and damage," the USGS said of the earthquake, which it earlier reported as a magnitude 7.

A 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck in the Pacific off the coast of Chile on Sunday, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) said. "There is a low likelihood of casualties and damage," the USGS said of the earthquake, which it earlier reported as a magnitude 7.2, and which occurred 41 miles (66 kilometres) west-southwest of Constitucion, Chile. Chile's National Seismological Center (CSN) put the quake at 6.6 magnitude. Despite the tremor's strength, there were no reports of injuries, impacts to basic services or damage to infrastructure, according to Chile's National Emergency Office (ONEMI). There were also no tsunami warnings, advisories, watches or threats in the wake of the earthquake, according to the US Tsunami Warning System. Chile is one of the world's most earthquake-prone countries. The 1960 Valdivia earthquake in Chile was, at 9.5, the strongest ever recorded on the magnitude scale, according to the USGS. Chile lies on the Ring of Fire -- an arc of fault lines that circles the Pacific Basin and is prone to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Strong 6.8 magnitude earthquake off Chile coast

The Lima Group on Tuesday said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/indigenous-people-are-forgotten-victims-of-the-ongoing-crisis-in-venezuela-215018">Venezuela's political crisis</a> threatened regional peace and international security and urged the global community to make a "huge effort to re-establish" democracy in the South American country.

The group of a dozen Latin American countries and Canada helping to mediate the Venezuelan crisis urged the world to push Caracas to hold new presidential elections a move <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nicolas-maduro-optimistic-after-opposition-talks-resume-in-barbados-234229">socialist leader Nicolas Maduro</a> has refused to consider.

Venezuela was thrust into a political impasse six months ago when opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself acting president after branding Maduro a "usurper" because of his "fraudulent" 2018 re-election.

Government-opposition talks are stalled as Guaido, recognized by more than 50 countries, is demanding that Maduro step down and hold new elections.

"While a dictator is in power in Venezuela, all our democracies are more fragile," said Argentine Foreign Minister Jorge Faurie at the Lima Group meeting in Buenos Aires.

He said the Venezuelan crisis "threatens regional peace and security" as well as international security.

Most Lima Group members recognize Guaido, who participated by video link.

A quarter of Venezuela's 30 million people are in need of humanitarian aid, according to the United Nations, while three million have left the country since early 2016.

Colombia has taken in 1.3 million Venezuelans while another 768,000 live in Peru.

Nestor Popolizio, Peru's foreign minister, asked for "urgent and concrete help in the form of international cooperation" to relieve the burden on countries hosting the migrants.

"The crisis is worsening and requires an urgent solution in the form of credible, transparent, free and fair elections," Popolizio said.

Legalized military intervention

Separately, Venezuela's opposition-controlled legislature approved re-joining a regional defence treaty that could provide a legal framework for foreign military intervention.

Venezuela withdrew from the Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance (TIAR) a defence pact involving 17 countries including the United States seven years ago under the late president Hugo Chavez.

Guaido said that re-joining the treaty would let Venezuela establish "international alliances" to "protect and defend the people and Venezuelan sovereignty," but didn't mention foreign intervention.

The vote, however, does not necessarily mean Venezuela will be re-join the TIAR.

The National Assembly's decisions are routinely annulled by the Supreme Court, which is filled with Maduro loyalists, and the body has been effectively replaced by the staunchly pro-government Constituent Assembly.

The Lima Group on Tuesday said Venezuela's political crisis threatened regional peace and international security and urged the global community to make a "huge effort to re-establish" democracy in the South American country.

The Lima Group on Tuesday said Venezuela's political crisis threatened regional peace and international security and urged the global community to make a "huge effort to re-establish" democracy in the South American country. The group of a dozen Latin American countries and Canada helping to mediate the Venezuelan crisis urged the world to push Caracas to hold new presidential elections a move socialist leader Nicolas Maduro has refused to consider. Venezuela was thrust into a political impasse six months ago when opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself acting president after branding Maduro a "usurper" because of his "fraudulent" 2018 re-election. Government-opposition talks are stalled as Guaido, recognized by more than 50 countries, is demanding that Maduro step down and hold new elections. "While a dictator is in power in Venezuela, all our democracies are more fragile," said Argentine Foreign Minister Jorge Faurie at the Lima Group meeting in Buenos Aires. He said the Venezuelan crisis "threatens regional peace and security" as well as international security. Most Lima Group members recognize Guaido, who participated by video link. A quarter of Venezuela's 30 million people are in need of humanitarian aid, according to the United Nations, while three million have left the country since early 2016. Colombia has taken in 1.3 million Venezuelans while another 768,000 live in Peru. Nestor Popolizio, Peru's foreign minister, asked for "urgent and concrete help in the form of international cooperation" to relieve the burden on countries hosting the migrants. "The crisis is worsening and requires an urgent solution in the form of credible, transparent, free and fair elections," Popolizio said. Legalized military intervention Separately, Venezuela's opposition-controlled legislature approved re-joining a regional defence treaty that could provide a legal framework for foreign military intervention. Venezuela withdrew from the Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance (TIAR) a defence pact involving 17 countries including the United States seven years ago under the late president Hugo Chavez. Guaido said that re-joining the treaty would let Venezuela establish "international alliances" to "protect and defend the people and Venezuelan sovereignty," but didn't mention foreign intervention. The vote, however, does not necessarily mean Venezuela will be re-join the TIAR. The National Assembly's decisions are routinely annulled by the Supreme Court, which is filled with Maduro loyalists, and the body has been effectively replaced by the staunchly pro-government Constituent Assembly.

Lima Group: Venezuela crisis threatens 'international security'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nicolas-maduro-optimistic-after-opposition-talks-resume-in-barbados-234229">Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro</a> met with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-set-for-trade-talks-with-us-on-march-6-amid-concern-over-tariffs-201134">European Union's representative</a> to the OPEC nation Enrique Iglesias on Tuesday (July 09) as part of an intensification of diplomatic efforts to seek new elections in the divided nation.

The EU, which leads an international crisis group with South American nations, hopes Iglesias can help find a way to convince Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to allow all political groups in the country to contest a free and fair vote.

The meeting comes after a UN report that accused Maduro's government of pursuing a strategy aimed at "neutralising, repressing and criminalising political opponents and people critical of the government".

President Nicolas Maduro has called for continued Norway-backed talks with the opposition to resolve differences. Guaido has been hesitant to resume talks, lambasting the Venezuelan leader as a "dictator".

Iglesias, a former Uruguayan foreign minister and a former president of the Inter-American Development Bank, is seen by diplomats as having the contacts and know-how to talk to both Maduro and Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido, as well as other political groups.

Having met Maduro and Guaido this month, the EU's crisis group that includes Britain, France and Germany also hopes to convince the United States to back a peaceful diplomatic process out of the crisis.

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro met with the European Union's representative to the OPEC nation Enrique Iglesias on Tuesday (July 09) as part of an intensification of diplomatic efforts to seek new elections in the divided nation.

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro met with the European Union's representative to the OPEC nation Enrique Iglesias on Tuesday (July 09) as part of an intensification of diplomatic efforts to seek new elections in the divided nation. The EU, which leads an international crisis group with South American nations, hopes Iglesias can help find a way to convince Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to allow all political groups in the country to contest a free and fair vote. The meeting comes after a UN report that accused Maduro's government of pursuing a strategy aimed at "neutralising, repressing and criminalising political opponents and people critical of the government". President Nicolas Maduro has called for continued Norway-backed talks with the opposition to resolve differences. Guaido has been hesitant to resume talks, lambasting the Venezuelan leader as a "dictator". Iglesias, a former Uruguayan foreign minister and a former president of the Inter-American Development Bank, is seen by diplomats as having the contacts and know-how to talk to both Maduro and Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido, as well as other political groups. Having met Maduro and Guaido this month, the EU's crisis group that includes Britain, France and Germany also hopes to convince the United States to back a peaceful diplomatic process out of the crisis.

Nicolas Maduro meets European Union's special envoy ahead of opposition talks

South American football governing body CONMEBOL hit back at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-slams-brazil-fix-after-copa-red-card-233729">Argentine superstar Lionel Messi</a> on Saturday after he accused the body of corruption.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/argentinas-lionel-messi-received-second-red-card-of-his-career-233770">Messi reacted after he was sent-off</a> during Argentina's 2-1 victory in the third place play-off against Chile earlier in the day.

The five-time Ballon d'Or winner was involved in a tangle with Chile captain Gary Medel in which Messi appeared to do nothing wrong, but both players were given their marching orders by referee Mario Diaz de Vivar.

"It's unacceptable that as a result of incidents that are a regular part of competition ... unfounded and untrue accusations have been launched that call into question the integrity of the Copa America," said CONMEBOL in a statement posted on its social media accounts.

Earlier, Messi was scathing in his attack on CONMEBOL and the competition's referees after Argentina felt aggrieved for the second match running.

He even accused the governing body of favoring hosts Brazil.

"Corruption and the referees are preventing people from enjoying the football and they're ruining it a bit," said the global star.

"I think there's no doubt that Brazil are going to be champions. The Copa is weighted towards Brazil," he added.

Argentina felt they were denied two clear penalties in their 2-0 defeat to Brazil in the semi-finals, complaining that the referee for that game, Roddy Zambrano, had refused to consult VAR to check the validity of their claims.

And again Argentina were angered that Diaz de Vivar refused to consult with the video assistance to check the incident between Messi and Medel.

Messi had shoved Medel in the back as the Chile captain shepherded the ball out of play.

Medel reacted furiously, chest bumping Messi a couple of times and seeming to push his head towards the Argentina captain, who didn't react.

Yet both were dismissed by Diaz de Vivar.

Messi said his red card was "repercussions" for criticisms he expressed after the defeat to Brazil.

"These accusations are a lack of respect to the competition, to all footballers participating and the hundreds of professionals at CONMEBOL, an institution that since 2016 has been tirelessly working to improve transparency, professionalism and development of South American football," said CONMEBOL.

The governing body said that "a fundamental pillar of fair play is accepting results with loyalty and respect."

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni had earlier said of Messi's red card: "I still don't understand what Messi did to be dismissed."

South American football governing body CONMEBOL hit back at Argentine superstar Lionel Messi on Saturday after he accused the body of corruption. Messi reacted after he was sent-off during Argentina's 2-1 victory in the third place play-off against Chile earlier in the day.

South American football governing body CONMEBOL hit back at Argentine superstar Lionel Messi on Saturday after he accused the body of corruption. Messi reacted after he was sent-off during Argentina's 2-1 victory in the third place play-off against Chile earlier in the day. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner was involved in a tangle with Chile captain Gary Medel in which Messi appeared to do nothing wrong, but both players were given their marching orders by referee Mario Diaz de Vivar. "It's unacceptable that as a result of incidents that are a regular part of competition ... unfounded and untrue accusations have been launched that call into question the integrity of the Copa America," said CONMEBOL in a statement posted on its social media accounts. Earlier, Messi was scathing in his attack on CONMEBOL and the competition's referees after Argentina felt aggrieved for the second match running. He even accused the governing body of favoring hosts Brazil. "Corruption and the referees are preventing people from enjoying the football and they're ruining it a bit," said the global star. "I think there's no doubt that Brazil are going to be champions. The Copa is weighted towards Brazil," he added. Argentina felt they were denied two clear penalties in their 2-0 defeat to Brazil in the semi-finals, complaining that the referee for that game, Roddy Zambrano, had refused to consult VAR to check the validity of their claims. And again Argentina were angered that Diaz de Vivar refused to consult with the video assistance to check the incident between Messi and Medel. Messi had shoved Medel in the back as the Chile captain shepherded the ball out of play. Medel reacted furiously, chest bumping Messi a couple of times and seeming to push his head towards the Argentina captain, who didn't react. Yet both were dismissed by Diaz de Vivar. Messi said his red card was "repercussions" for criticisms he expressed after the defeat to Brazil. "These accusations are a lack of respect to the competition, to all footballers participating and the hundreds of professionals at CONMEBOL, an institution that since 2016 has been tirelessly working to improve transparency, professionalism and development of South American football," said CONMEBOL. The governing body said that "a fundamental pillar of fair play is accepting results with loyalty and respect." Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni had earlier said of Messi's red card: "I still don't understand what Messi did to be dismissed."

South America football bosses fire back at Lionel Messi jibe

The European Union and South American trade bloc Mercosur sealed a blockbuster trade deal Friday, ending 20 years of talks over one of the world's largest regional commercial accords, negotiators said.

The agreement came after two decades of often tough negotiations between the EU and the countries of Mercosur -- Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay -- which had repeatedly stalled because of European farmer sensitivities over the beef market.

The deal was announced as the US administration of President Donald Trump faced several bilateral disputes, including trade tensions with China and disagreements with EU countries.

"I measure my words carefully when I say that this is a historical moment," European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said in a statement.

"In the midst of international trade tensions, we are sending today a strong signal with our Mercosur partners that we stand for rules-based trade."&nbsp;

European farmers concerned

The trade pact is the largest ever concluded by the EU, he said and would save European companies more than four billion euros ($4.5 billion) worth of trade duties every year.

It covers markets that total approximately 780 million consumers, an EU statement said.

Brazil welcomed a "historic" agreement with the EU, while Argentina called the deal "unprecedented".&nbsp;

The announcement of the deal, details of which were not revealed and which must be approved by the 28 EU member states, comes as leaders of the world's most powerful economies gather in Osaka, Japan, for a G20 summit.

Once implemented, it is tipped to eliminate 99 per cent of agricultural and industrial tariffs on both sides and facilitate exchanges in services and government procurement, reduce technical barriers, and effect sanitary and phytosanitary measures and intellectual property.

The agreement has nonetheless raised concerns of European farmers who fear unfair competition, as well as NGOs concerned about consequences for the climate.

Challenges to EU farmers

"Today’s agreement also presents some challenges to European farmers and the European Commission will be available to help farmers meet these challenges," the EU's agriculture commissioner Phil Hogan said in a statement.

"For this agreement to be a win-win... carefully managed quotas will ensure that there is no risk that any product will flood the EU market and thereby threaten the livelihood of EU farmers."

The 28-member EU currently accounts for about one-quarter of global gross domestic product (GDP) at 18 trillion euros ($20 trillion).

Finalisation of the talks had been complicated by French President Emmanuel Macron, who threatened to scrub the deal if Brazil withdrew from the Paris climate accord that commits signatories to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and which Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro has threatened to leave.

"If Brazil leaves the Paris accord, we could not sign trade deals with them," Macron said Thursday night in Japan en route to Osaka for the G20 summit.

"The reason is simple, we are requiring our farmers to stop using pesticides... our businesses to reduce emissions. That has a competitive cost," Macron added.

Cognac and Manchego cheese

Activists had urged the EU to halt the Mercosur trade talks over Brazil's alleged harm to its rainforests and indigenous peoples in order to benefit influential agribusinesses.

For Europe, the deal would mean greater access to large South American automobile markets and respect for so-called protected geographical indications such as Cognac or Manchego cheese.

The EU is also counting on the agreement to improve access to the South American market for telecommunications, transport or financial services.

Mercosur countries in return hope to export up to 99,000 tonnes of beef to Europe a year before they have to pay tariffs, alongside stronger exports of ethanol, sugar and poultry.

The EU and Mercosur exchange 88 billion euros in goods annually, with a balance very slightly in favour of the Europeans (+2.5 billion euros).&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The European Union and South American trade bloc Mercosur sealed a blockbuster trade deal Friday, ending 20 years of talks over one of the world's largest regional commercial accords, negotiators said.

The European Union and South American trade bloc Mercosur sealed a blockbuster trade deal Friday, ending 20 years of talks over one of the world's largest regional commercial accords, negotiators said. The agreement came after two decades of often tough negotiations between the EU and the countries of Mercosur -- Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay -- which had repeatedly stalled because of European farmer sensitivities over the beef market. The deal was announced as the US administration of President Donald Trump faced several bilateral disputes, including trade tensions with China and disagreements with EU countries. "I measure my words carefully when I say that this is a historical moment," European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said in a statement. "In the midst of international trade tensions, we are sending today a strong signal with our Mercosur partners that we stand for rules-based trade." European farmers concerned The trade pact is the largest ever concluded by the EU, he said and would save European companies more than four billion euros ($4.5 billion) worth of trade duties every year. It covers markets that total approximately 780 million consumers, an EU statement said. Brazil welcomed a "historic" agreement with the EU, while Argentina called the deal "unprecedented". The announcement of the deal, details of which were not revealed and which must be approved by the 28 EU member states, comes as leaders of the world's most powerful economies gather in Osaka, Japan, for a G20 summit. Once implemented, it is tipped to eliminate 99 per cent of agricultural and industrial tariffs on both sides and facilitate exchanges in services and government procurement, reduce technical barriers, and effect sanitary and phytosanitary measures and intellectual property. The agreement has nonetheless raised concerns of European farmers who fear unfair competition, as well as NGOs concerned about consequences for the climate. Challenges to EU farmers "Today’s agreement also presents some challenges to European farmers and the European Commission will be available to help farmers meet these challenges," the EU's agriculture commissioner Phil Hogan said in a statement. "For this agreement to be a win-win... carefully managed quotas will ensure that there is no risk that any product will flood the EU market and thereby threaten the livelihood of EU farmers." The 28-member EU currently accounts for about one-quarter of global gross domestic product (GDP) at 18 trillion euros ($20 trillion). Finalisation of the talks had been complicated by French President Emmanuel Macron, who threatened to scrub the deal if Brazil withdrew from the Paris climate accord that commits signatories to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and which Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro has threatened to leave. "If Brazil leaves the Paris accord, we could not sign trade deals with them," Macron said Thursday night in Japan en route to Osaka for the G20 summit. "The reason is simple, we are requiring our farmers to stop using pesticides... our businesses to reduce emissions. That has a competitive cost," Macron added. Cognac and Manchego cheese Activists had urged the EU to halt the Mercosur trade talks over Brazil's alleged harm to its rainforests and indigenous peoples in order to benefit influential agribusinesses. For Europe, the deal would mean greater access to large South American automobile markets and respect for so-called protected geographical indications such as Cognac or Manchego cheese. The EU is also counting on the agreement to improve access to the South American market for telecommunications, transport or financial services. Mercosur countries in return hope to export up to 99,000 tonnes of beef to Europe a year before they have to pay tariffs, alongside stronger exports of ethanol, sugar and poultry. The EU and Mercosur exchange 88 billion euros in goods annually, with a balance very slightly in favour of the Europeans (+2.5 billion euros).

European Union, South America bloc reach trade deal after 20 years of talks

Venezuela's Constituent Assembly, which rules the South American country with absolute powers, plans to strip parliamentary immunity from opposition lawmakers who backed a failed uprising this week.

Venezuela to strip immunity from opposition lawmakers

Venezuelan opposition leader <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/juan-guaido-nicolas-maduro-rallies-set-as-venezuela-struggles-with-blackout-202146&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiLzNeI6t3hAhUMinAKHUJ2AJEQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw16PYQz61BliBWay1xIaTVu">Juan Guaido</a> on Friday called on supporters to take to the streets on May 1 for what he called "the largest march in the history" of the South American country to keep the pressure on President <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelas-guaido-tells-nicolas-maduro-pressure-just-beginning-calls-for-civic-strike-201425&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiLzNeI6t3hAhUMinAKHUJ2AJEQFggLMAI&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0Ak9mHVKs2pflzw8xVlWEP">Nicolas Maduro</a> to leave power.

Guaido, the head of the opposition-controlled National Assembly who in January invoked the constitution to assume an interim presidency on the basis that Maduro's 2018 re-election was illegitimate, reiterated his call for the country's armed forces to take his side in the three-month power struggle.

"They will need to listen to the people saying: enough," Guaido told a crowd gathered at a plaza in eastern Caracas, setting the date for the march for May 1, International Workers' Day.

"We call on all the people to join in the largest march in the history of Venezuela to demand the end to the usurpation so this tragedy can end."

Guaido has been recognized by the United States and most Western nations as the South American country's rightful leader. The oil-rich country is in the sixth year of recession, marked by hyperinflation and shortages of basic goods that have prompted more than three million to emigrate.

Maduro calls Guaido a US puppet seeking to oust him in a coup and blames the country's economic woes on a US-led "economic war." His ruling socialist party has frequently responded to Guaido's calls for protests over the past few months with simultaneous marches of their own.

Guaido did not specify the final destination of the May 1 demonstration. But some in attendance on Friday called out suggestions that they march on the Miraflores presidential palace.

"He is not alone," said Aleida Vargas, a 58-year-old retired teacher who attended the opposition rally on Friday. "Each day we are moving forward, and there is no turning back. It might not happen tomorrow, but it will be soon."

Despite Guaido's offers of amnesty to members of the military who facilitate a transition, Maduro remains in control of the armed forces and the day-to-day functions of government.

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido on Friday called on supporters to take to the streets on May 1 for what he called "the largest march in the history" of the South American country to keep the pressure on President Nicolas Maduro to leave power.

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido on Friday called on supporters to take to the streets on May 1 for what he called "the largest march in the history" of the South American country to keep the pressure on President Nicolas Maduro to leave power. Guaido, the head of the opposition-controlled National Assembly who in January invoked the constitution to assume an interim presidency on the basis that Maduro's 2018 re-election was illegitimate, reiterated his call for the country's armed forces to take his side in the three-month power struggle. "They will need to listen to the people saying: enough," Guaido told a crowd gathered at a plaza in eastern Caracas, setting the date for the march for May 1, International Workers' Day. "We call on all the people to join in the largest march in the history of Venezuela to demand the end to the usurpation so this tragedy can end." Guaido has been recognized by the United States and most Western nations as the South American country's rightful leader. The oil-rich country is in the sixth year of recession, marked by hyperinflation and shortages of basic goods that have prompted more than three million to emigrate. Maduro calls Guaido a US puppet seeking to oust him in a coup and blames the country's economic woes on a US-led "economic war." His ruling socialist party has frequently responded to Guaido's calls for protests over the past few months with simultaneous marches of their own. Guaido did not specify the final destination of the May 1 demonstration. But some in attendance on Friday called out suggestions that they march on the Miraflores presidential palace. "He is not alone," said Aleida Vargas, a 58-year-old retired teacher who attended the opposition rally on Friday. "Each day we are moving forward, and there is no turning back. It might not happen tomorrow, but it will be soon." Despite Guaido's offers of amnesty to members of the military who facilitate a transition, Maduro remains in control of the armed forces and the day-to-day functions of government.

Venezuela's opposition leader Guaido calls for 'largest march in history' to oust Maduro

The rise and fall of Venezuela

Facebook said on Thursday it had restored service to its main app and Instagram, after the world's largest social network suffered a major outage that frustrated users across the globe for about 24 hours.

The company also said it was considering whether to refund advertisers for lost exposure due to the problems, which internet outage trackers showed affected users in Europe, Japan, North and South America.

"Yesterday, a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/working-to-resolve-the-issue-as-soon-as-possible-facebook-203216">server configuration issue made it difficult for people to access our apps</a> and services. We are 100 per cent back up and running and apologize for any inconvenience," a Facebook spokesperson said.

"We are still investigating the overall impact of this issue, including the possibility of refunds for advertisers."

Facebook takes tens of millions of dollars of advertising revenue every day.

Media reports earlier said millions of users were affected, and thousands took to Twitter on Wednesday and Thursday to complain under the hashtag #facebookdown.

DownDetector website - one of the internet's most used sources of numbers on outages - showed the number of complaints had peaked at more than 12,000, gradually falling to about 180 as of 11 am&nbsp;ET on Thursday.

The BBC and a handful of other media outlets said it was the platform's longest ever outage. Reuters was not immediately able to verify those claims and the company declined to comment beyond the statement on resumption of services.

Facebook's shares fell nearly 2 per cent in morning trading on Thursday.

INVESTIGATION

Separately, the New York Times reported on Wednesday that US federal prosecutors were conducting a criminal investigation into data deals Facebook struck with more than 150 technology companies such as Amazon and Apple.

Facebook is facing a slew of lawsuits and regulatory inquiries over its privacy practices, including ongoing investigations by the US Federal Trade Commission, the Securities and Exchange Commission and two state agencies in New York.

A spokesman for the social network said the company was cooperating with investigators in multiple federal probes, without addressing the grand jury inquiry specifically.

Facebook said on Thursday it had restored service to its main app and Instagram, after the world's largest social network suffered a major outage that frustrated users across the globe for about 24 hours.

Facebook said on Thursday it had restored service to its main app and Instagram, after the world's largest social network suffered a major outage that frustrated users across the globe for about 24 hours. The company also said it was considering whether to refund advertisers for lost exposure due to the problems, which internet outage trackers showed affected users in Europe, Japan, North and South America. "Yesterday, a server configuration issue made it difficult for people to access our apps and services. We are 100 per cent back up and running and apologize for any inconvenience," a Facebook spokesperson said. "We are still investigating the overall impact of this issue, including the possibility of refunds for advertisers." Facebook takes tens of millions of dollars of advertising revenue every day. Media reports earlier said millions of users were affected, and thousands took to Twitter on Wednesday and Thursday to complain under the hashtag #facebookdown. DownDetector website - one of the internet's most used sources of numbers on outages - showed the number of complaints had peaked at more than 12,000, gradually falling to about 180 as of 11 am ET on Thursday. The BBC and a handful of other media outlets said it was the platform's longest ever outage. Reuters was not immediately able to verify those claims and the company declined to comment beyond the statement on resumption of services. Facebook's shares fell nearly 2 per cent in morning trading on Thursday. INVESTIGATION Separately, the New York Times reported on Wednesday that US federal prosecutors were conducting a criminal investigation into data deals Facebook struck with more than 150 technology companies such as Amazon and Apple. Facebook is facing a slew of lawsuits and regulatory inquiries over its privacy practices, including ongoing investigations by the US Federal Trade Commission, the Securities and Exchange Commission and two state agencies in New York. A spokesman for the social network said the company was cooperating with investigators in multiple federal probes, without addressing the grand jury inquiry specifically.

Facebook restores services after global outage

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-slaps-sanctions-on-venezuelan-governors-supporting-nicolas-maduro-199710">Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro</a> accused the American government of manufacturing a crisis in an attempt to start a war in South America, in an interview broadcast on Monday.

"Everything that the United States government has done has been doomed to failure," Maduro told American broadcaster ABC News from the presidential palace in Caracas in remarks translated by the network from Spanish.

"They are trying to fabricate a crisis to justify political escalation and military intervention in Venezuela to bring a war to South America."

Earlier in the day, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-with-you-100-per-cent-us-vice-president-pence-to-venezuelas-guaido-199713">US Vice President Mike Pence</a> announced $56 million in aid to Venezuelans as well as tougher US sanctions as he joined a Lima Group meeting of Latin American countries plus Canada that was also attended by opposition leader Juan Guaido.

The United States is among some 50 countries that recognize Guaido as Venezuela's interim president.

Maduro blasted the talks in Bogota as being "politics to attempt to establish a parallel government in Venezuela."&nbsp;

Washington, he said, "wants Venezuela's oil" and is "willing to go to war for that oil."

"The extremist Ku Klux Klan government that Donald Trump directs wants a war over oil, and more than just oil," Maduro said, describing Venezuela as a "pacifist, humble nation."

But he also said he was ready to participate in a "direct dialogue" with the Trump administration.

Asked if he would allow Guaido back into the country, Maduro said: "He has to respect the laws."

Guaido "can leave and come back and will have to see the face of justice because justice had prohibited him from him leaving the country."

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro accused the American government of manufacturing a crisis in an attempt to start a war in South America, in an interview broadcast on Monday.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro accused the American government of manufacturing a crisis in an attempt to start a war in South America, in an interview broadcast on Monday. "Everything that the United States government has done has been doomed to failure," Maduro told American broadcaster ABC News from the presidential palace in Caracas in remarks translated by the network from Spanish. "They are trying to fabricate a crisis to justify political escalation and military intervention in Venezuela to bring a war to South America." Earlier in the day, US Vice President Mike Pence announced $56 million in aid to Venezuelans as well as tougher US sanctions as he joined a Lima Group meeting of Latin American countries plus Canada that was also attended by opposition leader Juan Guaido. The United States is among some 50 countries that recognize Guaido as Venezuela's interim president. Maduro blasted the talks in Bogota as being "politics to attempt to establish a parallel government in Venezuela." Washington, he said, "wants Venezuela's oil" and is "willing to go to war for that oil." "The extremist Ku Klux Klan government that Donald Trump directs wants a war over oil, and more than just oil," Maduro said, describing Venezuela as a "pacifist, humble nation." But he also said he was ready to participate in a "direct dialogue" with the Trump administration. Asked if he would allow Guaido back into the country, Maduro said: "He has to respect the laws." Guaido "can leave and come back and will have to see the face of justice because justice had prohibited him from him leaving the country."

Maduro says US wants to 'fabricate' Venezuela crisis to start war

WhatsApp on Tuesday evening experienced issue globally around 11:30 pm IST, leaving people unable to chat.

According to the website Down Detector, the problems were reported worldwide and on various platforms including iPhone and Android.

People were unable to log into the app at all and who did&nbsp;log in could not send or receive messages.&nbsp;

The issue was resolved within hours but the cause is yet unknown.

Northern Europe and South America and the United Kingdom were the most affected areas with WhatsApp login problem.

This issue comes a day after the messenger app limited the number of times a user can forward a message. Previously, a WhatsApp user could forward a message to 20 individuals or groups, not it has been restricted to five.

WhatsApp has around 1.5 billion users.

WhatsApp on Tuesday evening experienced issue globally around 11:30 pm IST, leaving people unable to chat. According to the website Down Detector, the problems were reported worldwide and on various platforms including iPhone and Android.

WhatsApp on Tuesday evening experienced issue globally around 11:30 pm IST, leaving people unable to chat. According to the website Down Detector, the problems were reported worldwide and on various platforms including iPhone and Android. People were unable to log into the app at all and who did log in could not send or receive messages. The issue was resolved within hours but the cause is yet unknown. Northern Europe and South America and the United Kingdom were the most affected areas with WhatsApp login problem. This issue comes a day after the messenger app limited the number of times a user can forward a message. Previously, a WhatsApp user could forward a message to 20 individuals or groups, not it has been restricted to five. WhatsApp has around 1.5 billion users.

WhatsApp temporary outage hits users worldwide, issue resolved

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