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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.