BBC News: Latin America

24 February 2012 Last updated at 00:18 ET

Chavez set for new Cuba surgery

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, who had cancer last year, is heading to Cuba again on Friday for surgery to remove a potentially cancerous lesion.

Dozens of disabled people clash with police in Bolivia's main city of La Paz during a protest calling for higher state subsidies.

New research suggests mild drought conditions were enough to cause the collapse of the Central American Maya civilisation after AD950.

Argentina probes train disaster

Argentina's government promises a full investigation into Wednesday's train crash, amid allegations that safety concerns were not addressed.
Mexico arrests riot prison guards

The director of a Mexican prison and 28 guards are arrested on suspicion of helping a mass breakout and the murder of 44 other inmates.
Argentines query Falklands policy
Bolivia declares flood emergency
Chile-Peru border mine scare ends
Mexico taxi drivers gunned down
Cigarette linked to prison blaze
US and Mexico sign Gulf oil deal
Honduras relatives storm morgue

A look at the nation beyond the headlines

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'Treated like criminals'

Anger of Brazil farmers who helped clear the Amazon
Changing Mexico's brand

Can country tackle its reputation for violence? Fast Track
Taking London to Rio

Unlikely collection of British 'luminaries' graces Sambadrome
Taxing times

Paperwork challenge for Cuba's private businesses
UK v Argentina

Who claims what over the Falkland Islands?
Rainbow Rio

Sumptuous carnival kicks off in the Sambadrome