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Ricky Martin calls for approval of gay rights law in Puerto Rico

San Juan, May 22 (EFE).- Singer Ricky Martin called Wednesday in a letter sent to the Puerto Rican House of Representatives for the legislative body to approve bill No. 238, which would prohibit discrimination due to sexual orientation on the island. The letter, which was released by Martin's representatives in San Juan, was made public at a time when the bill has run into opposition by a group of lawmakers in the lower house, where it is now stuck after being approved by the Puerto Rican Senate last week.

Guatemala's Maya outraged at genocide ruling annulment

Native Mayas who survived massacres during Guatemala's 1960-1996 civil war voiced outrage Wednesday at the overturning of the genocide conviction of former dictator Efrain Rios Montt. Guatemala's Constitutional Court on Monday struck down the 80-year sentence given to Rios Montt along with his conviction for genocide and war crimes. The annulment "mocks the Ixil people," said Nebaj mayor Ana Laynez. Nebaj, along with the municipalities of Chajul and Cotzal, form the Ixil Maya region in the northern department of Quiche.

With even toilet paper scarce, Venezuelan president warms to business

By Eyanir Chinea CARACAS (Reuters) - A Venezuelan supermarket puts a stack of toilet paper on its shop floor, and desperate consumers snatch it up within five minutes. A woman's voice over the loudspeaker reminds shoppers each person can only buy four packages. Few seemed convinced by the government's promise just days earlier that the oil-rich South American nation would promptly import 50 million rolls.

Nunatsiavut government says Labrador Inuit elder and rights advocate Kojak dies

NAIN, N.L. - A well-known Inuit elder in Newfoundland and Labrador has died. The Nunatsiavut government has expressed its condolences to the family of Abraham "Aba" Kojak of Nain, who died Sunday. President Sarah Leo says Kojak was a respected hunter and fisherman and was a strong advocate for Inuit rights. Kojak served on the board of directors of the Labrador Inuit Association before the Nunatsiavut government was established. He also played a key role as a negotiation in the talks leading up to the ratification of the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement.

Prominent Canadians back petition to rename Victoria Day to honour aboriginals

A group that includes some prominent Canadian actors, writers and politicians is calling on Prime Minister Stephen Harper to change the name of Victoria Day. Author Margaret Atwood, Green Party leader Elizabeth May and actor Gordon Pinsent are among those behind an online petition to rename the public holiday, which is celebrated on Monday, as "Victoria and First Peoples Day." Peter Keleghan, an actor and spokesman for the group, says the new name would give Canadians a chance to honour both the Crown and the indigenous peoples of Canada.

Manitoba government says Elijah Harper's body will lie in state at legislature

WINNIPEG - The Manitoba government says Elijah Harper's body will lie in state in the province's legislature. Harper, who as a member of the legislature blocked the Meech Lake constitutional accord in 1990, died Friday at age 64. The province says the public will be able to view Harper on Monday afternoon and that books of condolences will be available. Later that evening, a funeral service will be held at Glory and Peace Church in Winnipeg.

'No:' Elijah Harper, who helped scuttle Meech Lake, dies at age 64

WINNIPEG - Elijah Harper, the Cree politician who inspired Canadian aboriginals by blocking the Meech Lake constitutional accord while clutching an eagle feather in the Manitoba legislature, has died. Harper's family said he died Friday morning in an Ottawa hospital of cardiac failure due to diabetes complications. He was 64. "Elijah was a wonderful man, father, partner," the family said in a statement. "He will have a place in Canadian history forever for his devotion to public service and uniting his fellow First Nations with pride, determination and resolve."

Inuit-Metis of southern Labrador file complaint against RCMP after arrests

HAPPY VALLEY-GOOSE BAY, N.L. - The group that represents the Inuit-Metis of southern Labrador has launched a complaint alleging the RCMP discriminated against them during a protest against the Muskrat Falls hydroelectric project last month. The NunatuKavut (noon-ah-TWO'-ha-voot) Community Council, which filed the complaint with the Commission for Public Complaints Against the RCMP, said it believes members of their group were unfairly treated when the RCMP arrested eight people during the April 5 protest.

Belizean gov't slams construction firm for destroying ancient Mayan pyramid

Guatemala City, May 16 (EFE).- The destruction of a 2,300-year-old Mayan pyramid by a company constructing a highway near the Nohmul archaeological site in northern Belize is "unforgivable," the government said. The company moved bulldozers and backhoes through the Nohmul complex, practically wiping out one of the largest Mayan pyramids in the Central American country.

Guatemala government must apologize after Rios Montt verdict: judge

By Mike McDonald GUATEMALA CITY (Reuters) - A Guatemalan court ordered the government on Monday to apologize for atrocities committed against indigenous people in the country's civil war after former dictator Efrain Rios Montt was convicted of genocide and crimes against humanity. Judges sentenced Rios Montt to 80 years in prison on Friday after finding him responsible for deliberate killings by the armed forces of at least 1,771 members of the Maya Ixil population during his 1982-83 rule.
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