International journalists group warns media bias, Chavez's threats hurting press freedom in Venezuela *** CARACAS, Venezuela - The International Federation of Journalists warned that both blatant media bias against President Hugo Chavez and the president's verbal threats against the press are threatening press freedoms in Venezuela. "The media have got to take themselves out of the political process," said IFJ General Secretary Aidan White. "And it's quite clear that some sections of the media have been actively engaged in the political process in a way that is an impediment to free and independent journalism." White added that Chavez's "strong, provocative and powerful attacks on media ... has created a difficult atmosphere of confrontation."***
Argentinians gripped by hunger in country's worst recession ***On March 23 a truck carrying 22 cattle overturned near Rosario, 180 miles to the north. As hungry shantytown dwellers gathered around the injured animals, men appeared with butcher's knives and carted away dripping sides of beef. Sociologist Artemio Lopez, at the Equis consulting group, said the government's "basic food basket" of essential goods like bread, rice and eggs soared 47.4 percent in the first five months of the year.
"With each passing day there is more hunger in Argentina," said Lopez. To properly feed a family of four cost 215 pesos in March and 252 pesos in April, government figures show. That's an increase from $61 to $72, and salaries haven't risen at all. The cash-strapped government has social programs for the poor, but critics say these can't keep pace with the spreading crisis. On May 17 the government started dispensing aid worth $42 a month to 1 million unemployed heads of households. The critics say it should be double that amount. ***