China pushes forward South America railway schemeMay 23, 2015 - 20:35 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A Chinese scheme to build an east-west railway across South America, cutting across parts of the Amazon rain forest, has moved a step closer after Peru agreed to study the proposal, BBC News reports. The scheme would link Peru's Pacific coast with Brazil's Atlantic shores. The decision came after talks between the Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang, and Peruvian President Ollanta Humala. If completed, the railway would stretch 5,300km (3,300 miles) but campaigners fear the impact on indigenous people. Brazil, China and Peru will now begin feasibility studies into the railway. Li secured Brazil's consent earlier this week, as part of his tour of Latin America. The railway would "consolidate Peru's geopolitical position as a natural gateway to South America", President Humala said. For China, it would reduce the cost of shipping raw materials and farm products. But campaigners are concerned it might destroy untouched parts of the Amazon rainforest, affecting hundreds of indigenous communities. Li sought to ease fears, saying "to create the infrastructure, it is necessary to protect the environment" in a declaration with Humala. It is likely to cost more than $10 billion. The route is still being examined, but would begin in the gigantic Brazilian port of Acu and ending at a Peruvian port. The Chinese President, Xi Jinping, pledged earlier this year to invest $250 billion in Latin America over the next decade. Related links: Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia. U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel. Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. |