Argentina Roundup: Sale of U.S. aircraft, ‘Covid-like' flu, NATO partnership

Sale of U.S. aircraft to Argentina

The U.S. has approved the sale of Basler BT-67 aircraft to Argentina, including logistical support, at an estimated cost of $143 million. The sale aims to improve Argentina's security and national defence without affecting the military balance in the region.  The Latin American nation is seeking several Basler BT-67 aircraft, spare engines, parts, repair services, and major modifications. The package includes support services like aircraft and ground handling equipment, technical documentation, personnel training, and U.S. Government engineering services. The aircraft will enhance Argentina's airdrop and airlift operations, particularly in Antarctica.

‘Covid-like' flu affects dozens

A mystery flu-like illness in Argentina with symptoms similar to Covid-19 has left dozens critically ill with 60 cases reported in Buenos Aires. According to the Mirror, ProMed, the international public health surveillance system, issued an alert on April 17, stating an increase in severe atypical pneumonia requiring critical care. While no official reports have been made by Argentine officials, reports indicate that some have required mechanical ventilation. Most affected individuals are young without major risk factors. Over a third of those affected showed symptoms of psittacosis, a bird-borne disease, although many had no history of contact with birds, the Mirror reports.

President Milei eyes NATO partnership

Argentina has submitted a request to join NATO to deepen political and security collaboration with Western powers. The request was put forward during a discussion on regional security problems between Argentina's Defense Minister Luis Petri and NATO Deputy General Secretary Mircea Geoana in Brussels. Geoana welcomed Argentina’s bid to become an accredited partner in the alliance stating “Argentina plays an important role in Latin America,” she said at NATO headquarters. President Milei's administration is seeking to secure advanced technology, security systems, and training through the partnership. The request requires consensus from all 32 NATO members, and if approved, Argentina would become a global partner of the alliance.

Dispute as Brazil 'helps UK' get tourists to Falkands

Argentina has issued a furious complaint to Brazil over the UK's promotion of tourism to the Falkland Islands. The diplomatic dispute started when the UK was granted permission to have a display at the WTM Latin America trade show in São Paulo that promoted travel to the Falklands, the Express reports. Argentina's Secretary for the Malvinas, Andres Dachary accused the British government of attempting to gain support for its sovereignty over the disputed islands in the South Atlantic in a letter to the Brazilian ambassador in Buenos Aires. Dachary stated that Argentina has rejected "this new provocation," which he defined as an attempt to use economic measures to "consolidate the illegal British presence in our Islands."

La Rioja province sued in New York over missed bond payment

Creditors filed a lawsuit in a U.S. court against the Argentine province of La Rioja located in northwestern Argentina, intensifying the legal dispute over almost $10 million in missed bond payments. The province missed a main payment on its 8.5% dollar note due in 2028 on February 24. This is the subject of the action, which was filed on April 18 in a federal court in New York. The majority of the interest that was due in late March was paid by provincial officials, but the bond trustee kept some of that money, Bloomberg reports.