Brazil's president clings to power amid warnings of troubles ahead

Article Abstract:

The government of Brazilian President Fernando Henrique Cardoso is facing considerable economic challenges. The most significant problem is that the country's social security system permits large numbers of government employees at all levels to retire after 25 years' service on 100% pensions. The country's latest financial crisis has made Brazilians aware that the economic situation is not as favourable as Cardoso claims, but his popularity remains high compared with that of his main rival, left-wing leader Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

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Bogota battles to root out the drug habit

Article Abstract:

The Colombian government has been fighting for many years to eliminate cocaine production in the country, and members of the national police's anti-narcotics commmando force have regularly been fired on by Marxist guerillas, who cooperate with narcotics traffickers. Colombia is now receiving US support for Operation Splendour, under which chemicals are sprayed from aircraft to destroy poppy, coca and marijuana crops.

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Che's daughter dies, true to 'Uncle' till the end

Article Abstract:

Hilda Guevara, the daughter of revolutionary hero Ernesto 'Che' Guevara, died recently from cancer at the age of 39. She remained loyal to Fidel Castro, her father's close ally, and always believed that the Cuban revolution could be saved. Her views are not shared by her son, Canek, who has stated firmly that the revolution is dead.

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