ABROAD
TAIWAN / Arms deal with U.S.
The U.S. Defense Department Friday proposed to sell Taiwan weapons, helicopters and ships valued at about $6.4 billion, a move that may complicate the Obama administration's plans to improve ties with China. The proposal includes advanced Lockheed Martin Corp. Patriot missiles at a cost of $2.8 billion, UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters costing $3.1 billion made by United Technologies Corp. and Boeing Co. Harpoon missiles at a cost of $37 million. Lawmakers have 30 days to object to the sale. China is "firmly opposed" to the proposed sale, said Wang Baodong, a spokesman for the Chinese Embassy in Washington.
PERU / Stranded tourists rescued
Helicopters ferried out the last tourists stranded near Machu Picchu on Friday, leaving the country to contemplate a prolonged shutdown of its top tourist site. A total of 3,900 tourists and locals were flown out of the tiny mountain village of Machu Picchu Pueblo this week after mudslides and torrential rains Sunday destroyed sections of the railway that is the only form of transit in and out of the village. Rail operator Perurail said it will take months for workers to repair the railway that leads to the fabled Inca citadel. Authorities said Machu Picchu will remain closed for weeks.
ARGENTINA / Central Bank chief quits
The Central Bank chief resigned Friday, saying he could do no more to protect the nominally independent institution from the president's efforts to control its dollar reserves. Martin Redrado claimed credit for bringing Argentina monetary stability for the first time in 30 years, but said President Cristina Fernandez had disregarded this achievement while unconstitutionally ordering his removal. The president ordered Redrado fired this month after he refused her decree to make the bank's reserves available for paying off $6.6 billion in national debt and also for spending of undefined "excess reserves" for other purposes. A congressional panel had been considering whether to approve or reject the decree.
Latest in missing girl case ... MSG, Altice dispute ... Harborside sale delayed ... Uniondale basketball player, model
Latest in missing girl case ... MSG, Altice dispute ... Harborside sale delayed ... Uniondale basketball player, model