Cuba’s Council of Ministers approved a salary increase for the health sector during a meeting on Wednesday headed by President Raul Castro.»

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro called on the opposition to return to a democratic and electoral role after five weeks of violent protests promoted by hardline leaders that have left 31 dead and over 400 injured, Xinhua news agency reported.»

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos on Wednesday dismissed Bogota Mayor Gustavo Petro after a court confirmed charges of disqualification and mismanagement against him.»

President Nicolas Maduro stressed on Monday what he described as the “incalculable assistance that Cuba gives Venezuela in caring for the health of the people in a deeply humanitarian and supportive gesture.”»

The candidate of the Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front, the FMLN) Salvador Sanchez Ceren has been declared the winner in El Salvador’s presidential runoff on Sunday, with 50.11 percent of the votes.»

The Cuban Communist Party reports the sad news that Melba Hernandez, member of the Party’s Central Committee and deputy to the National Parliament, passed away Sunday, March 9th.»

Cuban President Raul Castro described  the Special Development Zone at the Harbor of Mariel, west of Havana, as the most important project being built on the island.»

Across the island, Cubans paid tribute to Bolivarian leader Hugo Chavez on the first anniversary of his passing. In Havana, a documentary film and a photo exhibit was opened, plus the cancellation of three postage stamps.»

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Elias Jaua has accused international media outlets of conducting a psychological war against the oil-rich nation.»

The traditional humidor auction that closed the 16 Habano Cigar Festival in Havana collected 1 million 102 thousand 210 Euros, which were dedicated to the Cuban health system.»