Paraguay

Rare giant lily pads draw impressive crowds

Asunción - Muslimchronicle

An off-the-beaten-path corner of Paraguay has become a tourist attraction this month as visitors flock to see a rare delight floating on a hidden lagoon: giant round water lilies spanning over 1.5 meters. These aquatic plants - their scientific name is Victoria cruziana but locals call them "alligator lilies" - are sprawling enough that they could be a hiding place for aRead more

Paraguay judge rules ex-soccer boss Leoz can be extradited

Asuncion - Muslimchronicle

A court in Paraguay ruled Thursday that ex-South American soccer chief Nicolas Leoz could be extradited to face trial in the United States over alleged bribery and money laundering. However the judge, Humberto Otazu, said his ruling was conditional on a medical board being set up to evaluate the health of 89-year-old Leoz. His lawyer Ricardo Preda told AFP lastRead more

Tiny Singapore has world’s most powerful passport: ranking

Singapore - Muslimchronicle

Tiny Singapore now has the world’s most powerful passport, according to a new ranking, with its citizens able to travel to the greatest number of countries visa free. Passport Index, which keeps track of how useable such documents are, said the city-state grabbed the top spot after Paraguay removed restrictions for Singaporeans. That means the approximately 3.4 million holders ofRead more

Protesters Set Paraguay Congress On Fire amid Presidential Controversy

Asuncion - Arab Today

Demonstrators in Paraguay have set fire to the country's Congress amid violent protests against a bill that would let the president seek re-election. Protesters stormed the legislature, breaking windows and fences in Asuncion on Friday night and setting fire to the interior. Police used mounted units, rubber bullets, and water cannons to disperse the crowd. Local media reports said dozensRead more

Sevilla defender Mariano earns Brazil call-up

Rio De Janeiro - ArabToday

Uncapped Sevilla full-back Mariano has been called up to Brazil's squad for Tuesday's World Cup qualifier against Paraguay, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said on Friday. The 30-year-old replaces Juventus right-back Dani Alves, who will miss the fixture at Corinthians Arena in Sao Paulo due to suspension. "Mariano forms part of a list of players that the coaching staff hasRead more

Argentina face Chile test in South America World Cup race

Montevideo - Arab Today

The unthinkable prospect of a World Cup without Argentina or Lionel Messi could move a step closer to becoming reality on Thursday as the South American giants prepare to face arch-rivals Chile in a crucial battle on the road to Russia 2018. Argentina, who last failed to qualify for the World Cup in 1970, saw their progress towards next year'sRead more

VP receives presidents of Paraguay

Dubai - Arab Today

Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, welcomed separately Horacio Cartes, President of Paraguay, Filip Vujanovic, President of Montenegro, and Luis Guillermo Solis, President of Costa Rica, at his palace in Zabeel on Tuesday. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, along with H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,Read more

Venezuela formally adopts Mercosur customs norms

Caracas - ArabToday

Venezuela formally adopted from Wednesday the norms, governing customs and tariffs, within the Mercosur bloc. The news was announced in the government's official gazette, meaning Venezuela will join all the other members (Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay) in following these norms. This means all goods traded across Mercosur are governed by the customs rules established in the Asuncion Treaty in 1991.Read more

Peterhansel seeks breathing space in Dakar high life

Asuncion - Arab Today

Stephane Peterhansel targets a 13th Dakar title next month, describing the gruelling 2017 rally as the most intense he has faced and fearing the physical effects of racing at South America's punishing high altitudes. The 51-year-old Frenchman clinched his sixth win on four wheels in this year's event to add to six motorcycle triumphs since his debut back in 1988Read more

Key bloc Mercosur suspends Venezuela to meet trade standards

Rio de Janeiro - AFP

The key South American economic bloc Mercosur has suspended crisis-hit Venezuela for failing to meet democratic and trade standards, a government source in member country Brazil said. Member countries Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay have informed Venezuela that its rights as a member "are suspended," the source, who asked not to be named, told AFP. Mercosur members had already threatenedRead more