LA Quick Hits: Calderon Still Talking Security, Hugo Isn't, But He Should, Hugo Skipping Mercosur, Chincilla Wants to Cash In & More

• Calderon acknowledges the need to open a new chapter in the battle to provide security for Mexico.
• There is a security problem in Venezuela and the opposition promises to make it an issue. The only city in LatAm that has suffered more? Ciudad Juarez.
• Momentum for Honduran recognition continues. Mex and Chile give a thumbs up to the Lobo government. Don't hold your breath for the Legion of Doom following suit.
• Hugo is not going to make it to the next Mercosur summit in Argentina. Cites the tensions with Colombia.
• Chinchilla met with Red Chinese FM Yang Jiechi. The Ticos are trying to cash in on their switch from ROC to PRC recognition - they asked for a donation to finish a four-lane expressway.
• The Santiago exchange soared to a historical high of 4,418.66

LA Quick Hits: UNA-USELESS, Hugo Moves Troops, Nacho Not So Libre &, Ships Sit

• UNASUR's attempt to mediate Venezuela/Colombia kerfluffle fizzles. Hugo then moves Venezuelan troops to the border.
• Sinaloa Cartel drug lord "Nacho" Coronel was killed. He is an ally of Sinaloa kingpin, "Chapo" Guzman. NYT posits that people aren't going to feel safer.
• 30 ships have been waiting over two weeks to be offloaded at Port of Cabello in Venezuela. This as scandal grows over the way Ports allocate resources.

LA Quick Hits: FCH - Security Important, Hugo is Scared, 2 Cool 4 School, Cristina Knocks US (Again), Samper Whines, Have a Coke and a Smile & More

• Understatement of the day: Calderon says security is a national priority.
• Blake says Calderon has told him to focus on security.
• Hugo declines Santos inauguration invite and threatens to break off relations. He said he feared for his life if he went to Colombia.
• Four Colombian reporters detained in Venezuela won't be sent back till Monday.
• It's so hot over here that I sweat just think about going outside, but in the southern cone they are freezing their butts off. Bolivia is closing the schools through Wednesday.
• In Bolivia drug traffickers have made inroads in 27 impoverished communities.
• Cristina backs Mex on Arizona law...imagine my surprise.
• Former Prez Samper laments the decline of the Liberal Party and looks to the PRI for inspiration. Read the interview and see why the Libs in Colombia have no chance. Vague notions and embittered sniping is not going to get anyone elected.
• It's been awhile but activists want justice for the Bolivian disappeared and those that suffered under the Meza regime.
• Coca Colla takes the fizzy drink industry back to its roots, so to speak.