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Azerbaijan represented in book fair in Buenos Aires

The Azerbaijani pavilion featured publishing products, photographs, and brochures about its culture, history, art, Karabakh, and Khojaly genocide.

It is one of the top most events related to books sector.

It is one of the popular book fairs among visitors and exhibitors as they are able to see the new editions of books and literature of the famous authors and exhibitors, also a good opportunity to exhibit their new work among visitors from all over the world.

The fair brought together over 1300 participants.

Greek Independence Day Parade, Buenos Aires

The Greek community in collaboration with the authorities of Buenos Aires will honor this year the 190th anniversary of Greek Independence Day with a parade along “Avenida de Mayo”, the central avenue in Buenos Aires, linked to the Argentine Revolution of 1810 against Spain.

The whole program will include open-air cultural events, Greek products exhibition at Greek community kiosks, and a long parade with members from all Greek communities in Argentina.

It is expected that the Greeks and Argentines will be again excited with the “grand finale”, marked with traditional Greek music and dances.

Argentina digs for gold with Canadian help

Argentina has secured $850 million of Canadian private sector investment in an ambitious plan to develop its gold reserves and turn gold production into a major earner for the country.

Argentina traditionally has been a medium-scale gold producer, compared with Latin America's top producer Peru, but is seeking change in an overall plan to turn around its mineral development and production. The strategy has also focused on what industry sees as metals of the future, such as lithium.

The Planning Ministry said the contract with Canada's Goldcorp Inc. will bring substantial investment into getting the Cerro Negro gold project in Santa Cruz Province up to speed with plans for stepped up exploration and production through the coming two decades.

Gold prices have been on the rise worldwide amid continuing uncertainties over both stock markets and the U.S. dollar. Last week gold prices added $19.50 on the Comex division of the New York Mercantile Exchange to $1,475.10 per troy ounce.

Argentine Planning Minister Julio De Vido said the Canadian deal "consolidates Argentina as a destination for long-term investment as the Cerro Negro project has a useful life of 20 years."

Argentina has been fighting for more investment into its ambitious industrial and mineral development projects but has faced reluctant investors discouraged by its bureaucratic processes and squabbling between President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner and her political foes. The government's stance toward independent media has also dismayed international observers representing investors.

Officials said De Vido met with GoldCorp Inc. Vice President for Central and South America Eduardo Villacorta in Mexico City as plans for development of the gold mine gained momentum.

GoldCorp said it expects to start producing gold at Cerro Negro in mid-2013 -- an average of 550,000 ounces a year during the first five years of production.

Goldcorp estimates a mine life of approximately 12 years with total proven and probable gold reserves increase 100 percent to 4.3 million ounces. Argentine official comments indicate a more optimistic outlook.

Goldcorp President and Chief Executive Officer Chuck Jeannes said the company's feasibility studies "confirm our expectations that Cerro Negro will contribute tremendous value for shareholders as Goldcorp's next cornerstone gold mine." The company expects average cash costs of less than $200 per ounce of gold during the first five years.

"This is an extremely robust project as now configured," Jeannes said in a statement. "However, with all of the identified veins remaining open and numerous additional veins already identified, we are excited by the potential for future expansion of gold reserves and near-term upside to the production profile. Cerro Negro will be a key driver of Goldcorp's peer-leading low cash cost profile and 60 percent gold production growth over the next five years."

Goldcorp says it is "the fastest growing, lowest-cost senior gold producer with operations and development projects in politically stable jurisdictions throughout the Americas. Our strong project pipeline is positioned to drive long-term, sustainable growth."

World's richest man, Carlos Slim to invest $1.5 billion in Argentina

MEXICO CITY: Mexican telecom magnate Carlos Slim, ranked as the world's wealthiest man by Forbes magazine, plans to invest $1.5 billion over the next two years in Argentina's telecommunications sector, officials said.

During a Mexican-Argentine business gathering Friday here, Argentine Planning, Public Investment and Services Minister Julio de Vido said Slim will be investing in broadband, mobile telephony and fourth-generation networks.

Argentina Clausura Week 10: Racing Club Beat Independiente In Clasico For First Time Since 2005

Five of this weekend's matches ended in draws meaning that there was little change at the top, but both Racing Club and Godoy Cruz made up lost ground as they beat Independiente and Argentinos Juniors. Elsewhere Quilmes picked up their first win of the Clausura against Newell's Old Boys, moving above them in the table in the process, while All Boys won their second game in a row to ease relegation fears.

Quilmes began the weekend with a 3-1 win against Newell's Old Boys, picking up three invaluable points as they attempt to avoid relegation. Bernardo Romeo gave Quilmes the lead after 22 minutes with an excellent header, but Mauricio Sperdutti was left criminally unmarked in the penalty area four minutes later and made the most of the space to rifle home a left footed shot. The hosts retook the lead in the 61st minute when Martin Cauteruccio finished a well constructed move before Romeo made sure of the points with five minutes remaining. Saturday evening saw San Lorenzo draw 1-1 with Lanus, extending el Ciclon's winless streak to three. Juan Carlos Menseguez scored a superb opener for the hosts, chasing down a long ball and arriving at it just before the keeper to chip it delicately over him and into the net, but Pablo Goltz arrived at the back post to sidefoot home with 20 minutes remaining to give Lanus a point.

This weekend also saw the Avellaneda clasico between Racing Club and Independiente, and for the first time since 2005 Racing Club came out as victors. After 43 minutes Gabriel Hauche lashed the ball high into the net from close range after a brilliant lay off in the penalty area from Teo Gutierrez, and it was Gutierrez who sealed the win four minutes from time. Although the Colombian's first effort was saved by Fabian Assman, the rebound fell kindly and 'Teo' was able to head it over the keeper and into the back of the net. Lucas Licht was sent off in injury time for la Academia, but Racing clung on to the points.

All Boys won their second game in a row when they overcame Huracan 3-1, thanks to an early brace from Cristian Fabbiani. 'El Ogro' opened the scoring after 12 minutes when a deflected cross fell to him on the edge of the area and, using his not inconsiderable strength to hold off the defender, he turned and fired a shot into the bottom corner. Five minutes later Fabbiani doubled the lead when he turned home a rebound, but Javier Campora halved the deficit two minutes later with a header from six yards. Emmanuel Gigliotti restored the two goal lead just after half time from the penalty spot, and this time there was no response from the visitors. Godoy Cruz ended Argentinos Juniors' unbeaten run this weekend after they won 1-0 in Mendoza. The only goal of the game came in just the second minute when Diego Villar ran onto a long punt downfield, rounded Nicolas Navarro with ease and rolled the ball into the empty net.

Olimpo picked up a creditable 2-2 draw with Estudiantes, taking the lead after 30 minutes when Diego Galvan squeezed a penalty past Agustin Orion. They were in front at half time, but after 10 minutes of the second half Marcelo Mosset headed past his own keeper to make it 1-1. Four minutes later, Gaston Fernandez put Estudiantes in front with an excellent strike from 25 yards, but in the 63rd minute Olimpo split the visitors' defence apart and Nestor Bareiro made full use of his one on one with Orion to score the equaliser. Boca Juniors played out a thrilling 3-3 draw with Tigre, but had to come from 2-0 down after Denis Stracqualursi scored with two close range headers after 21 and 35 minutes. In the 42nd minute, the ball fell to Nicolas Colazo on the edge of the box and he struck a low shot that flew into the bottom corner to pull one back for Boca - a golazo from Colazo. Just before half time, Juan Roman Riquelme equalised, showing superb touch in the penalty area before rifling a shot past Daniel Islas. Stracqualursi completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot with 20 minutes to go, but Clemente Rodriguez pulled Boca level again after 77 minutes when no one closed him down on the edge of the box and he scored one of the goals of the weekend as he fired a shot into the top corner.

Colon nearly had the beating of Velez Sarsfield but had to make do with a 1-1 draw. The hosts took the lead in the 65th minute when Ivan Moreno y Fabianesi headed home from a corner, but Sebastian Dominguez restored parity in the 94th minute when he converted from close range. Having seen the rest of their title rivals drop points this weekend, River Plate were in an excellent position to extend their lead at the top of the table but could only draw 0-0 at Gimnasia La Plata.

Rabbi launches Buenos Aires mayoral bid

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (JTA) -- An Argentinian rabbi is running for mayor of Buenos Aires.

Rabbi Sergio Bergman, who launched his candidacy April 13, is believed to be the first kipah-wearing candidate for the top post governing Argentina's largest city. Buenos Aires, the capital, has a population of about 13 million and a budget of $5.9 billion.

The elections are scheduled for July 10.

Bergman in 1994 founded Memoria Activa (Active Memory), a group that has been demonstrating every Monday for more than 10 years in front of the Argentina Supreme Court seeking justice for the victims of the AMIA Jewish center bombing that year.

He is the senior rabbi of the traditional Congregacion Israelita Argentina, a synagogue built in 1897 and declared a Historic National Monument in 2000. Bergman also heads the Fundacion Judaica (Jewish Foundation).

The rabbi, who is running as a candidate in his own movement but is close to the Pro Party that is now in power, launched his bid with coffee and kosher food for guests, including officials of the current city government.

He talked to the crowd about Argentina's morality and a return to law. Bergman also called for a "serious fight against drug traffickers without confusing them with our immigrant brothers."

Bergman has been trying to spur Argentinians' participation in politics for the past three years with his movement Argentina Citizen, during which time he talked about running for political office.

Buenos Aries, Argentina Travel Advice

Buenos Aries, Argentina Travel Advice

As Argentina’s largest city, Buenos Aires is a destination that travelers the world over are flocking to. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, in fact, more people are taking the time to explore the ‘Paris of South America.’ With its cosmopolitan flair, beautiful architecture, bustling nightlife, busy shops, beautiful Atlantic Coast beaches and unique cuisine, this city is experiencing a tourism boom for many good reasons.
Buenos Aries travel tips & advice

Travelers who visit Buenos Aires are often drawn by the unusual blend of things to do in this historic city. During the day, visitors often take in the sights of the city’s downtown core, where historic buildings dominate the landscape. On the Avenida de Mayo, for example, famous sites include the Palacio Barolo, Caf’ Tortoni and the Casa de la Cultura. The cobbled streets, brightly colored residential districts and incredible selection of restaurants and cafes also call to daytime travelers. During the warmer months, the beaches of Buenos Aires are an alluring draw for vacationers.

Once the sun goes down, the Buenos Aires nightlife kicks into full gear. After hours, travelers will see a whole different perspective of this city that boasts a metro area of more than 13 million people. Buenos Aires is known the world over for its active club scene where tangos rule the dance floors, dining experiences and even quiet, corner pubs and bars.
Flights to Buenos Aries / How to Get There

Making the trek to Buenos Aires is fairly easy from just about any starting point in the world. The country’s biggest airport, the Aeropuerto Internacional Ezeiza, is located just outside Buenos Aries. The airport serves as the gateway not only for Buenos Aires, but also most of Argentina. It is also feasible to arrive in Buenos Aires by boat and to take road-based trips from neighboring countries, such as Chile and Brazil.
Hotels in Buenos Aries & Where to Stay

Buenos Aires offers visitors their pick of places to stay. The city boasts more than a few high end hotels and resorts, but does also cater to travelers on a budget with more simplistic lodging and even hostel accommodations. Travelers can expect to pay upward $200 a night for the best rooms in the city.

World Premier of "Lost in Buenos Aires" Debuts at Myrtle Beach International Film Festival April 20th

“Lost in Buenos Aires,” an independent documentary fiction film by Michael Solton and Carlos Asseph, will celebrate its debut at the Myrtle Beach International Film Festival, South Carolina on April 20th.

Following the newfound trend of docu-fiction, “Lost in Buenos Aires” was shot in both Hollywood and Buenos Aires with direct sound, no artificial lightning, and non-professional actors.

"Lost in Buenos Aires,” a full feature mockumentary film, is a spoof on the American relentless pursuit of happiness and oneself. Mike Dalton, the owner of a restaurant and online travel guide in Los Angeles, seemingly has it all. Yet the big house, fancy car and model friends does not seem to fulfill him anymore. A life so good sucks after all, and not having become truly rich and famous worldwide just adds to his frustration. He decides to move to Buenos Aires, Argentina to start over and try to make it “big” there. But the economical collapse will bring a challenge or two.

“We explored a storyline being open-minded to the circumstances,” explained director Carlos Asseph, “and the doc-fic technique allowed us to create story that evolved the main lead in a constant passage from 'living' to 'acting.' Making 'Lost in Buenos Aires' was an active process investigating the boundary between the two.”

The film is scheduled to premier on Wednesday, April 20th at 12 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by contacting Dalton Pictures at 843-497-0220 or by email at jerry(at)mbiff(dot)com or heather(at)mbiff(dot)com.

Argentina Government Boosts Control Over Boards of Petrobras, BBVA Units

Argentina’s benchmark stock index fell for a third straight day after the government announced it will increase its control over the boards of some of the country’s biggest companies, including local units of Petroleo Brasileiro SA and Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria SA. (BBVA)

The Merval index fell 0.6 percent to 3,382.55 at 11:11 a.m. New York time. Developing market stocks were higher, with the MSCI Emerging Markets index rising 0.7 percent.

The government, through investments held by the state pensions agency Anses, wants to “defend its holdings on the same terms as all other investors,” according to a presidential decree published in the official gazette today.

“The market didn’t like the news,” Guillermo Maresco, a trader at the brokerage unit of Banco de la Nacion Argentina, said in a telephone interview today from Buenos Aires. “The stocks that are falling the most are those in which the government has a higher stake, such as Banco Macro.”

Previously, Anses was allowed a maximum of 5 percent of voting rights in companies even if it owned a greater amount of shares. Anses took ownership of the shares after President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner nationalized the $24 billion private pensions system in 2008.

Banco Macro SA (BMA), in which Anses owns 31 percent, led losses among members of the Merval index, falling 1.5 percent to 16.95 pesos, its fifth day of losses, and the longest losing streak in almost four months. Power line operator Transener SA, in which the government has 19 percent, lost 1.4 percent.

Protecting Workers

The increase in voting rights “allows us to better protect the interests of the workers and pensioners’ funds that the government manages,” Economy Minister Amado Boudou told reporters last night.

Anses has a stake in all 18 members of the Merval. Its holdings include an 11.8 percent stake in oil and gas producer Petrobras Energia SA, the local unit of Brazil’s largest energy company, and 7.5 percent of BBVA Banco Frances SA, a unit of Spain’s BBVA.

The agency also holds a 26 percent stake in Siderar SAIC (ERAR), the country’s largest steelmaker, 22.5 percent in Pampa Energia SA (PAMP), the biggest energy holding company, and 20 percent in Molinos Rios de la Plata SA, the biggest food producer, according to a statement on the agency’s website. It owns 9.3 percent of the shares of Aluar Aluminio Argentino SAIC (ALUA), Argentina’s sole aluminum producer.

Argentina orders Santa Cruz negotiations

The Argentinean government has ordered negotiations between energy workers and the country’s leading oil companies to put an end to a work stoppage within 15 working days.

Picket lines blocking access to company facilities and keeping industry trucks off the roads have stopped oil production in northern Santa Cruz at YPF, Occidental Petroleum Corp and Pan American Energy.

The strike, now in its ninth day, has cut oil and natural gas output in the Patagonian province of Santa Cruz, which produces about 20% of Argentina's crude.

Most provincial energy workers at the country's leading oil companies rejected a deal reached by their union leadership for a roughly 25% pay increase, in line with privately estimated inflation, and have continued to press for better benefits.

Deputy secretary of the local oil and gas workers' union Ruben Retamoso told Reuters that members would vote today on whether or not to abide by the government-ordered conciliation.

"Production remains halted," Retamoso said. "It is totally cut."

A source in the energy industry, who asked to remain anonymous, told Reuters this week that YPF's halted oil output amounted to 11,000 cubic metres per day, while Oxy was losing 6000 cubic metres and Pan American had stopped producing 1400 cubic metres per day. The companies would not comment to Reuters.

Argentina set for stronger-than-expected rebound-IMF

(Reuters) - Strong demand in Brazil and Latin America have created the conditions for a stronger-than-expected economic rebound in Argentina, an International Monetary Fund official said on Monday.

"As far as growth is concerned, we are seeing a stronger rebound in Argentina than what we had expected, partly driven by very buoyant demand in the region including in Brazil," IMF economist Jorg Decressin told reporters.

However, he said Buenos Aires needs to change some policies to be in stronger shape to withstand future shocks.

"Over time we believe that policies in Argentina will need to become somewhat less pro-cyclical than they are right now to rebuild policy space for the future. And if that happens then the economy will also be in good shape to weather new shocks, if and when they arrive," Decressin said.

Argentina To Extend $750 Million In Subsidized Loans To Meat Producers

BUENOS AIRES -(Dow Jones)- Argentina plans to extend 3 billion pesos ($750 million) in subsidized loans to meat producers to spur increased production of beef, chicken and pork.

The government will pay 6 percentage points of the interest rate on the five- year loans, bringing the financing cost to producers to between 8% and 9%, Agriculture Minister Julian Dominguez told reporters when announcing the plan.

That's sharply lower than market rates and is an even better deal for ranchers and other meat producers considering Argentina's steep inflation, estimated by economists at about a 25% annual rate.

That inflation, and a severe drought in 2009 which led ranchers to trim cattle herds, caused local meat prices to soar, more than doubling over the last year.

As a result, per capita consumption of beef has dropped over 15% from a year earlier, according to the beef chamber Ciccra. Argentines are now eating an average of 57 kilograms (125 pounds) of beef a year, still one of the highest rates in the world.

Now many ranchers are getting back into the business after the government lifted price controls. But it will take years to rebuild the herds, with production levels not getting back to normal until 2014, according to Ciccra.

There has also been a big shift to the use of feedlots through government incentives designed to boost efficiency and production by turning grain into meat.

Just a few years ago, cattle feedlots were a fledgling industry in Argentina, but now they produce half of all the country's beef, according to the Argentine Feedlot Chamber.

Beef exports have also suffered due to tight local supplies and the high prices for meat sold domestically.

Argentina was the world's No. 3 beef exporter in 2009, when it shipped 655,000 tons, but is expected to slip to eighth place this year with just 300,000 tons, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Romantic Argentina 1932

Michael Bublé gets hitched in Buenos Aires

Michael Bublé has plenty to sing about.

The Canadian crooner wed Argentine model Luisana Lopilato outside Buenos Aires on Saturday, his publicist told CNN.

At the reception, Bublé sang “Haven’t Met You Yet” - the tune he wrote for his bride who appeared in the music video with him – to Lopilato and the 300 guests in attendance. However, he put the mic down when it came time for the couples' first dance to "Everybody Loves Somebody” by Dean Martin. Perhaps an unsurprising choice, as Bublé has covered the "Rat Pack" member's tunes in the past.

Lopilato wore a tiered gown by Argentinean designer Sylvie Burstin before changing into a Marchesa gown.

Bublé’s ex, British actress Emily Blunt, who was not in attendance, wore a Marchesa Bridal custom gown when she married “The Office’s” John Krasinksi in July 2010

Argentina's president stokes up claim to the Falklands

Argentina's president is stoking up patriotic sentiment over the Falklands by ordering that each school have a classroom named after a soldier killed in the conflict with Britain.

Argentina's president, Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, is playing the Falklands card in her election campaign

President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner made the announcement as she said that "the Malvinas are Argentine for ever" and the government "will never yield in our claim".

She also ordered that a letter written by an Argentine teacher and volunteer soldier killed in the Falklands War be read to all school pupils in the country. The letter, dated 29 April 1982, was written by Julio Cao, 21, and sent to his class of primary schoolchildren after he arrived at Stanley in the Falklands.

Cao, who was killed in action weeks later shortly before Argentina was defeated by a British Task Force, used the letter to apologise for having left in haste, but added: "I find myself accomplishing my soldier's duty of defending our flag."

President Kirchner was speaking at an event to mark the 29th anniversary of the invasion of the Falklands at the weekend. The country's presidential election is due in October and the decrees will be seen as evidence that President Kirchner will use patriotic sentiment over the Falklands to help to win votes.

Speaking at an event in Rio Gallegos, Santa Cruz province, she said: "I know we are going to recover what belongs to us."

She criticised British concerns that Argentina could make a new attempt to win back the Falklands, saying: "It sounds likes a joke coming from a country that likes solving conflicts by bombing."

The letter written by Cao will be taught to all schoolchildren starting from next year, President Kirchner said.

In it he wrote to his class: "I hope you don't worry much about me because very soon we will be together again, we are going to close our eyes and jump on our huge condor and ask him to fly us to that 'land of stories' that as you know is very close to the Malvinas Islands ...

"Children I want you to know that when I go to sleep at night, I close my eyes and can see each of your small faces smiling and playing; when I fall asleep I dream I'm with you. I want you to be very happy and to study a lot because your teacher who is a soldier loves you and misses you."

Hector Timerman, the Argentine foreign minister, also said over the weekend that the issue of the sovereignty of the Falklands had become a "regional cause". He said this was due to British companies drilling for oil in the area and the establishment of a British "military fortress in the South Atlantic" which he claimed was a "threat for all the region".

Mr Timerman also thanked the "commitment" and "concrete actions" of neighbouring countries including Brazil, which earlier this year turned away a Royal Navy ship that attempted to dock in Rio de Janeiro.

Michael Bublé marries Luisana Lopilato in Argentina dream wedding

Don’t cry for him Argentina – as it might be the happiest day of swinging singer Michael Bublé’s life after he wed Argentinian actress Luisana Lopilato

Don’t cry for him Argentina – as it might be the happiest day of swinging singer Michael Bublé’s life after he wed Argentinian actress Luisana Lopilato.

According to The AP Bublé and Lopilato had a civil ceremony in Buenos Aires yesterday with family and friends attending, and they later generously posed for fans after their nuptials.

The apparently perfect pair became engaged in November 2009, after having met a year earlier.

Meanwhile, it is believed that a larger ceremony will be held next month at a mansion outside the city, with 300 guests attending.

Earlier this month, it was reported that the couple would wed on April 2 – perhaps an April Fools’ prank of theirs? – and then have another party in Canada to celebrate their union.

Bublé told Live! with Regis & Kelly: "We have one in Argentina for her family and a few of my family, well a big one.

"And then I have a thing called an 'unwedding'... a month later in Vancouver. It's not like a wedding, it's like a big party."

It had been suggested earlier this year that the couple had secretly wed, after the crooner was snapped wearing a wedding band.

Argentina still searching for defensive answers under Batista

here is no place for Carlos Tevez or Sergio Aguero in the Argentina squad that coach Sergio Batista brings to New York for Saturday's friendly against the U.S.

Injury has kept Aguero out of some recent squads -- he has not played for his country since coming on as a substitute and scoring against Spain last September. But he is currently fit. Tevez has picked up a minor injury, but only after the squad was called up. The official line, it seems, is that he is being punished for pulling out of the squad to face Brazil last November, only to play for Manchester City a few days later.

Conspiracy theorists may have noted that the two strikers have close connections with the previous regime. Aguero is married to Diego Maradona's daughter, while Tevez and Maradona share a "poor kid born on the wrong side of the Buenos Aires tracks" bond.

Sacked after last year's World Cup, Maradona was never likely to go quietly. He campaigned in an effort to keep his job, and then attacked his old teammate Batista, who was originally appointed on a caretaker basis.

Indeed, Batista was anxious from the start to differentiate himself from Diego. He said that the players favored a low profile coach, an obvious dig at Maradona's flamboyance -- Diego's retort, funny but a little harsh on a World Cup winning midfielder, was that it is easy for Batista to be low profile, since outside Argentina he is a virtual unknown.

Those who Maradona had controversially left out of his World Cup squad (Javier Zanetti, Esteban Cambiasso and Ever Banega -- whose omission kicked up less of a fuss but was arguably the most glaring of the three) were brought straight into the team by his replacement. By leaving out Tevez and Aguero for the matches against the U.S. and Costa Rica, is Batista taking further steps to distance his regime from that of Don Diego?

Perhaps, though there is some tactical logic behind his choices. "I like 4-3-3," said Batista toward the end of last year, "with the two other midfielders close to the holding midfielder in the middle. I always think about having three up front, but I have some variations. I can have two in midfield and push the other one forward to link midfield with attack."

This is a fair description of what he has done so far. The basic system has been 4-3-3, with Banega and Cambiasso either side of captain Javier Mascherano in the midfield line. The relationship between Banega and Lionel Messi is especially interesting, promising to become as important for the national side as the Xavi-Messi partnership is for Barcelona.

For November's 1-0 win against Brazil the absence of Cambiasso made way for the introduction of Javier Pastore to play the more advanced link role that Batista mentioned. Mascherano and Banega held central midfield, Messi and Angel Di Maria dropped slightly either side of Pastore, and Argentina went with 4-2-3-1, with Gonzalo Higuain as the lone out and out striker.

Higuain took the target man role in the 4-3-3 formation used in Batista's first games in charge -- Diego Milito started in October's 1-0 defeat to Japan, but picked up an injury and was replaced by Higuain. Both are injured at the moment, allowing Batista to repeat against the U.S. the experiment that he tried last month against Portugal.

"We're going to base our game around Lionel [Messi]," said Batista in December. "We can use him anywhere up front or in midfield. We have to identify the weak point of the opposition and use him against it."

In an imitation of the role he now plays for Barcelona, Messi played as a free ranging forward against Portugal, dropping back to combine with Banega, surging forward in search of a breakthrough. Maximum space is created for Messi if he is flanked by a pair of quick strikers adept at working in wide spaces. This is where Ezequiel Lavezzi and Angel Di Maria come in. One is right footed, the other left, both are comfortable on either flank and can therefore swap positions and keep setting different problems for the opposing defense. Lavezzi and Di Maria are more suited to this role than Tevez or Aguero, and look set to gain another chance to form Argentina's attacking trident with Lionel Messi against the U.S. In the 2-1 win against Portugal they combined beautifully for Argentina's first goal. Sergio Batista, then, has another opportunity to judge whether this type of attack, rather than one with a traditional center forward, is the way to get the best out of Messi in an Argentina shirt.

But the coach will also be glancing anxiously at the other end of the field. In attack Batista has plenty of options. His task is to choose the most effective. In defense he is not so blessed. His problem is one of personnel.

Despite a proud tradition in the position, the goalkeeping post has been a problem for Argentina for a while now. Over the last 18 months the promising but occasionally untidy Sergio Romero has emerged as first choice. Injury keeps him out this time, and so there is a chance for Mariano Andujar, safe but not outstanding, to stake his claim.

In front of him, both the center back and the full back positions have question marks hanging over them. In recent times Argentina have found it very difficult to produce top class full backs, making Javier Zanetti's exclusion for the last two World Cups very hard to understand. Zanetti is still around, though he will surely not make the 2014 World Cup -- and the reserve right back against the U.S. is Marcos Angeleri, all the way from the Sunderland substitutes bench.

Marcos Rojo was given his debut at left back against Portugal. A tall figure, he attacks with purpose but looks vulnerable defensively. This match will be an important occasion in his quest to establish himself as first choice.

Batista is well aware that there is a need for renewal in the center back positions as well, hence the fact that he has stopped calling up the likes of Martin Demichelis and Gabriel Heinze in order to have a look at younger defenders. One of his favorites, Nicolas Pareja, is unavailable through injury. Last month against Portugal he went with a combination of Nicolas Burdisso and Gaby Milito. It is not clear, though, whether either of them will still be around for the next World Cup -- Milito, for example, is injury prone and already past 30.

This could be the moment to test the new generation. Nicolas Otamendi, unwisely used by Maradona at right back, could feature in his true position, while also in the squad are the giant Ezequiel Garay and lanky 2007 World Youth Cup winner Federico Fazio.

There are places up for grabs, not only in the next World Cup but also in July's Copa America on home ground where Argentina will hope to win its first senior title in 18 years. The U.S. can do Sergio Batista a real favor on the way, putting Argentina's new defenders under pressure in New York and allowing its coach to judge if they are good enough for the challenges ahead.

Argentina and Australian group open ‘world’s largest’ lithium carbonate plant

rgentine authorities and from Australia’s mining group ADY Resources opened this week the ‘Salar del Rincon’ plant, the “largest in the world” for the production of lithium carbonate in the north of Argentina.

The slat flats in the Atacama and Bolivia hold the largest proven reserves of lithium

The plant designed by Argentine engineers was set up in the province of Salta, bordering with Chile and Bolivia, and next to the Andes cordillera in a region rich in lithium deposits and 3.000 metres above sea level.

ADY Resources has promised a total investment of 300 million US dollars plus the 75 million already disbursed for the plant, which was described as “the largest of its kind in the world” by the Argentine Mining Secretary in a release.

‘Solar del Rincon’ is generating 100 new jobs in one of the highest and most remotes locations of Argentina.

Lithium is a rare mineral which is strategic for the manufacturing of rechargeable batteries, for the digital industry and pharmaceutics.

The mining secretary office said in the release that of the ten million metric tons of proven reserves in the world, almost nine million are in Latinamerica in an area shared by Argentina, Chile and Bolivia.

Argentina exports lithium to the US, UK, Germany, China, Russia, Japan and Holland.

According to Canadian sources the largest salt-brine lithium reserves, which out of all the naturally occurring reserves, is where lithium can most easily be acquired, are found in salt flats in Chile, South-western Bolivia and North-western Argentina.

Currently, Chile is the world’s largest lithium producer and the Atacama salt flat is by far the most competitive in the world. Argentina is also producing and has attracted a variety of junior miners that are carrying out studies to begin developing new areas. Bolivia has one of the largest lithium deposits in the world and promises to be one of the main players in securing a future lithium supply.

However on 2 March 2011 the Governor of Jujuy Province, Argentina, declared lithium a strategic mineral. The declaration asserts that environmental approval of exploration and exploitation projects in the province will have to be reviewed by a committee that will include representatives from the Ministry of Production, the Argentinean Research Council, the University of Jujuy, the Provincial Parliament, the Provincial Environmental Agency and the Mining Department. Permits granted for exploration and exploitation will be reviewed after this commission is formed in 30 days.

Argentina's Steel Output Rose 15.1% On Year To 437,900 Tons In February

BUENOS AIRES -(Dow Jones)- Argentina's steel production rose 15.1% on the year to 437,900 metric tons in February, according to industry trade group Acero.

"The outlook for 2011 indicates that growth in production will continue to the degree that conditions favorable to the development of the industry continue," Acero said in a statement Thursday.

Iron production rose 15.8% on the year to 351,000 tons last month.

The production of hot-rolled products jumped 54.9% to 384,600 tons, while cold-rolled output more than doubled to 125,100 tons.

Argentina's steel production in 2010 totaled 5,138,400 tons, up 28% on the year, but still below the 5,541,400 tons produced in 2008.

Acero said wages in the sector are expected to have increased 54% between April 2009 and April 2011, and upcoming salary negotiations with unions will "increase that amount in a notable way."

Unions are demanding salary increases this year of around 30% as they seek to preserve the purchasing power of their constituents from double-digit inflation.

Most private sector economists say inflation is running at about 25%, while the government said earlier this week that inflation as measured by its consumer price index eased to 10% at the end of February.

The administration of President Cristina Fernandez has long downplayed inflationary pressures in the economy, though last week it took the unusual step of fining at least three economic research firms for publishing consumer price information the government says is misleading to the public.

BA City goes green for St. Patrick's Day party

nos Aires

Thousands of St Patrick’s Day festivity followers will be joining in the party today, for another anniversary of the death of the Irish patron saint. The area of Retiro is determined to be the busiest party area, with the many Irish pubs filling to the brim with beer thirsty St Paddy fans.

Year after year the number of people who celebrate the Irish tradition rises, and this year is no exception, promoted still by bars offering a variety of special offers on food, beer, and live music shows.

Saint Patrick (386-493) is the patron saint of Ireland, and national apostle who is attributed with the extension of Christianity in the country.

St Patrick's Day itself is associated with all things Irish, something green and gold, 4-leaf clovers and luck, but deep down it’s seen as a day of religious and spiritual renovation and prayer for churches around the world.

In the city of Buenos Aires, not only the Retiro area will be bustling with celebrations, as Belgrano and Palermo, amongst others will be serving up the beer with a splendid excuse to party for all.

Traffic Director from the Urban Development Ministry authorised the closing of Paraguay Street and Marcelo T. De Alvear Street, between San Martín and Leandro N Alem. Traffic will be redirected around the area.

At the same time, there will be a St Patrick’s Day parade leaving from Arroyo and Suipacha streets at 7PM, finishing in Plaza San Martín, where leading from there a music show fronted by Mac Manus will be held with Irish dancing (Argentina Celtic group and Emeraldance). There will also be a fancy dress contest of leprechauns, fairies, for children and adults.

New Beatles memento museum opens in Buenos Aires

A new Beatles museum in Buenos Aires, Argentina, features thousands of items related to the legendary band, all from the private collection of 53-year-old accountant and superfan Rodolfo Vazquez.

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — A brick from the Cavern Club, a check for 11 pounds signed by Ringo Starr, an “authentic” Beatles wig. These and thousands of other objects related to the “Fab Four” are luring Beatles fans to a new museum in Buenos Aires.

The museum is the product of the “Beatlemania” obsession of Rodolfo Vazquez, a 53-year-old accountant who became a fan at the age of 10 when he got their “Rubber Soul” record. “With the song ‘In My Life,’ I fell in love with the Beatles,” he said.

Vazquez scooped up all the memorabilia he could find in Buenos Aires about history’s most famous rock band, an obsession that grew until he made it into Guinness World Records in 2001 as having the planet’s largest collection.

At that point, Guinness noted that he had 5,612 items in the attic of his home in Buenos Aires. His hoard has grown to more than 8,500 records, gadgets, puppets and games since then, more than 2,200 of which are on display in the Beatle Museum that just opened on Avenue Corrientes, in an area of the capital where tourists throng.

There are Beatles museums in Liverpool, England, and Hamburg, Germany, that display memorabilia along with objects from the band members’ lives. There are other private collections as well — Julian Lennon has many that show the more personal side of the four band members, published in the book “Beatles Memorabilia: The collection of Julian Lennon,” including drawings his late father sent him when the Beatles were on tour.

But this storefront museum stands out for the sheer quantity of pieces, carefully arranged in display cases and on the walls. There are objects for all tastes: a box of condoms with the name of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, a wig that says it adjusts to any head size, and signed pictures of the four musicians.

“The idea is to show my collection permanently. In a year I would like to rotate the items on display with others from my collection,” said Vazquez, who keeps accumulating objects by buying them or trading with collectors around the world. “Otherwise, all of it would be closed into boxes and trunks without anyone being able to enjoy them.”

The Beatles broke up in 1970, but there’s no letup in interest about the band. When their song list was added to iTunes last year, more than 2 million individual songs and 450,000 copies of Beatles albums were sold in the first week.

The Beatles never performed in Argentina, but people here seem to have a soft spot for them, ensuring that cover bands have regular gigs. Many such bands play in Vazquez’s Cavern Club, a bar next to the museum named after the Liverpool nightclub where the band got its start.

Each year, Vazquez organizes a “Beatles Week,” in which cover bands from around Latin America compete to be named the best imitators. The winners travel to a Liverpool music festival.

Vazquez claims he doesn’t know the total value of his private collection, which also includes record covers, autographs, toys, original pictures, concert programs, and cups and plates with Beatle images. Vazquez even has certified copies of the Beatles members’ birth certificates.

He said he has a special fondness for 64 boxes of chewing gum in the form of miniature albums that allude to the 16 Beatles records. Other rarities are four music boxes with figures of each Beatle. There’s also a piece of the floor of Strawberry Fields, a Salvation Army orphanage near Lennon’s boyhood home whose name inspired the 1967 psychedelic rock tune “Strawberry Fields Forever.”

Vazquez said nearly 2,000 people have visited since the museum opened on Jan. 3. Showcasing his treasures for fellow fans is immensely satisfying, he said, but there’s one thing he regrets not being able to do: meet the surviving Beatles themselves, McCartney and Starr.

“It is what would complete me,” he said, “and I would be the happiest collector on earth.”