*
Brazil's Lula says economy to grow 'more than pessimists
think'
*
Ecuador government to impose requirements for carrying
guns
April 3 (Reuters) -
The latest in Latin American politics today:
Venezuela reopens maritime border with Curacao and Bonaire
CARACAS - Venezuela reopened its maritime border with the islands of Curacao and Bonaire on Monday after just over four years of trade and transit closures, according to Venezuelan and the islands authorities. The government of President Nicolas Maduro in February 2019 announced the closure of the border and revision of diplomatic relations with Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao, on the grounds that Curacao served as a hub for food and medicines that the Venezuelan opposition sought to bring to the oil-rich nation at the time. Brazil's Lula says economy to grow 'more than pessimists think'
SAO PAULO - Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said on Monday he believes the country's economy will grow "more than pessimists think," noting he does not agree with forecasts of slow gross domestic product growth. Lula said at a meeting with ministers his administration would announce further moves next week as it reaches the 100-day mark, adding he was particularly optimistic with a proposal for public-private partnerships.
Ecuador public divided over gun move, gov't says will enforce rules
QUITO - Ecuadoreans will be able to carry a gun for
self-defense as long as they meet certain requirements to obtain
it, the government said on Monday, amid public outcry over the
measure aimed at curbing rising crime in the Andean country.
Conservative President Guillermo Lasso authorized over the
weekend the possession and carrying of civilian weapons for
personal defense, as well as pepper spray, as a measure to
combat the country's growing insecurity.
(Compiled by Steven Grattan; Editing by Richard Chang)
