News from South America
MercoPress South Atlantic News Agency
- Brazil transfers military equipment to Uruguay and Paraguay to bolster regional security
on January 16, 2026Brazil has enacted two laws formalizing the transfer of military aircraft and equipment to Uruguay and Paraguay, as part of an initiative to upgrade operational capabilities of neighboring countries and enhance regional security, Agência Brasil reported.
- High Seas Treaty enters into force, ushering in a new era for ocean protection
on January 16, 2026The High Seas Treaty, also known as the Global Ocean Treaty, enters into force on Saturday, marking “a historic achievement in ocean protection” and the start of a new phase in global ocean governance, EFE reported.
- YPF lawsuit: Burford asks US court to hold Argentina in contempt
on January 16, 2026Burford Capital, the main beneficiary of a US$16 billion first-instance ruling against Argentina over the 2012 expropriation of YPF, has asked federal judge Loretta Preska to hold the country in contempt and impose sanctions, citing alleged failures to comply with discovery orders.
- Machado handed her Nobel Peace Prize medal to Trump
on January 15, 2026Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado handed her Nobel Peace Prize medal to US President Donald Trump on Thursday, in a symbolic gesture that capped a high-stakes visit to Washington amid mixed signals from the White House over Venezuela’s political future.
- Machado says she counts on Trump, but White House backs Delcy Rodríguez
on January 15, 2026Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado told supporters gathered outside the White House on Thursday that “we count on the president for Venezuela’s freedom” after holding a closed-door meeting lasting more than two hours with US President Donald Trump.
- US to suspend immigrant visas for 75 countries, including Uruguay; Orsi calls it a “worrying signal”
on January 15, 2026Uruguay’s President Yamandú Orsi said he was concerned by Washington’s decision to pause immigrant visa issuance for citizens of 75 countries —including Uruguay— starting January 21, with no end date announced. “In numerical terms it’s not very important, but as a signal it certainly worries us,” Orsi said after meeting US Ambassador Lou […]
- BBC ranks Uruguay 10th among world's top tourism destinations
on January 15, 2026The British Broadcasting Corporation has named Uruguay as one of the top 20 travel destinations for the year, ranking it at number 10 globally, minly due to its sustainable alternatives. The South American country was also demed an ideal alternative to crowded global hotspots.
- Trump holds good coversation with Delcy Rodríguez
on January 15, 2026US President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that he held a “long and productive” telephone conversation with Venezuela’s caretaking leader, Delcy Rodríguez. The dialogue signals a rapid warming of relations between Washington and Caracas as Wshington prepares to play a direct role in the South Amrican country's economic and political […]
- Vance keeps Trump's policies within Congress' boundaries
on January 15, 2026US Vice President James D. Vance cast a tie-breaking vote on Wednesday to quash a bipartisan War Powers Resolution aimed at reining in President Donald Trump’s military authority regarding Venezuela. The 51-50 vote followed an intense pressure campaign from the President, which successfully flipped two Republican senators, Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Todd […]
- Muslim Brotherhood declared a terrorist organization in Argentina
on January 15, 2026Argetina's Libertarian Government of President Jvier Milei Wednesday declared the Muslim Brotherhood chapters in Lebanon, Egypt, and Jordan as terrorist organizations, directly aligning the South American country with the White House's "Western Civilization" drive to lead a similar designation process late last year.