Buenos Aires, May 17 (EFE).- Gen. Rafael Videla, the emblematic figure of the military junta that ruled Argentina from 1976-1983, died Friday inside the jail where he was serving a life sentence for crimes against humanity, prison officials confirmed. He was 87. The news of the former strongman's death was first disclosed by Cecilia Pando, a military spouse known for defending the actions of the junta.

Argentina and China signed an agreement on agricultural cooperation Friday in Buenos Aires, following a meeting between the Argentine president and Chinese vice president. President Cristina Kirchner and Vice President Li Yuanchao met for two hours in the Casa Rosada presidential complex, along with ministers and officials from both countries. "We take this visit as a clear success to promote the strategic relationship between Argentina and China," Li said after signing the agreements. Argentine Vice President Amado Boudou signed the agreement for Buenos Aires.

Dutch Queen Maxima has reached the zenith of her popularity both in the Netherlands and in her native Argentina after ascending the throne with her husband King Willem-Alexander this week, but calls remain for her to come clean on her father's murky role in his country's former military junta. Jorge Zorreguieta, now 85, served as agriculture minister under the notorious Argentine regime of Jorge Videla in the 1970s.

Inter Milan captain Javier Zanetti on Sunday suffered a torn Achilles tendon during a 1-0 defeat to Palermo on Sunday which could signal the end of the Argentine veteran's career. Inter's 13th reverse of the season has left them in seventh, eight points off Fiorentina who occupy the third and last Champions League place with four games remaining.