President Hugo Chavez says 18 soldiers have died in a helicopter crash near Venezuela’s border with Colombia.

Colombia’s social protection minister says a case of swine flu has been confirmed in the Andean nation. It is the first confirmed case in South America

Colombian authorities have arrested a retired lieutenant colonel and seven other soldiers in the killings of two civilians who they allegedly presented as guerrillas slain in combat to inflate rebel body counts.

President Hugo Chavez said Thursday that his government will not tolerate incursions by Colombian rebels into Venezuelan territory.

In an April 28 story, The Associated Press reported that former U.S. President Jimmy Carter said he was exploring bringing together the presidents of five South American countries with U.S. representatives in a forum to discuss sensitive issues.

In an April 28 story, The Associated Press reported that former U.S. President Jimmy Carter said he was exploring bringing together the presidents of five South American with U.S. representatives in a forum to discuss sensitive issues.

Mexican soccer clubs Chivas and San Luis will be playing upcoming Copa Libertadores matches in Colombia, a move aimed at helping slow the swine flu outbreak in Mexico.

Former President Jimmy Carter said Tuesday that the United States and Syria are close to restoring full diplomatic ties, but he doubted Cuba’s new openness means its leaders are ready to grant free speech or change their political system.

Former President Jimmy Carter said Tuesday that the United States and Syria are close to restoring full diplomatic ties, but he doubted Cuba’s new openness means its leaders are ready to grant free speech or change their political system.

Dole Food Co. made regular payments for at least a decade in a banana-growing region to illegal far-right Colombian militias that killed thousands, according to a wrongful death lawsuit filed Tuesday.