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A12 WORLD NEWS
Wednesday 11 december 2019

Alberto Fernández inaugurated as president of Argentina

Associated Press ity to do so. Outgoing lead-
BUENOS AIRES (AP) — Al- er Mauricio Macri became
berto Fernández assumed the first non-Peronist presi-
the presidency of Argen- dent to complete his term
tina on Tuesday, returning in 74 years, a landmark
the country to the ranks seen as a sign of Argenti-
of left-leaning nations at a na’s maturing democracy.
moment of right-wing resur- The new president said on
gence in the Western Hemi- Twitter that he would dedi-
sphere. cate himself to “putting my
Taking the vice presidency dear Argentina back on
was Cristina Fernández, its feet.”Alberto Fernández
66, a polarizing figure who served as head of Cristina
served as president from Fernández’s Cabinet for
2007 to 2015 and whose the beginning of her time in
presence has raised ques- power and many wonder if
tions about the extent of the new vice president will
her influence in the new wield outsized power in the
administration. new government. She and
Alberto Fernández, a Alberto Fernández have
60-year-old lawyer from denied that.
the country’s center-left However, close allies of
Peronist movement, faces Cristina Fernández have al-
the grave and immediate Argentina’s President Alberto Fernandez, left, and Vice President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner ready been named to key
challenge of trying to pull smile after taking the oath of office at the Congress in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Tuesday, Dec. 10, government positions and
Argentina from economic 2019. her son is head of the gov-
crisis: The country has a 35% Associated Press erning party in the lower
poverty rate and is strug- “’I come before you to call before Congress. “I come He said that his administra- house of the legislature.
gling to make debt pay- for unity from all Argentina, before you calling for all to tion’s first meeting would Peronists cheered as the
ments on time. to build a new social con- put Argentina on its feet, to focus on reducing hunger, pair were inaugurated,
The economy is expected tract of brotherhood and put the country on a path and said that Argentina saying they had high hopes
to shrink 3% by the end of solidarity,” Fernández said toward development and wanted to pay all its credi- for an improved quality of
2019, with inflation at 55%. in his inaugural address social justice.” tors but lacked the capac- life.q

Chile combs Antarctic for missing plane with 38 aboard

By PATRICIA LUNA ration in Argentina of Presi-
Associated Press dent Alberto Fernández.
SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — The three civilian passen-
Searchers using planes, gers included a 24-year-
ships and satellites were old who was embarking
combing Antarctic seas on a research project and
on Tuesday, hunting for a two employees of a pri-
Chilean Air Force transport vate company. One pas-
plane carrying 38 people senger was a woman.
that vanished en route to The two pilots had ex-
a base on the frozen con- tensive experience, ac-
tinent. cording to the Chilean
Seven hours after contact Air Force, which said that
was cut off, the Air Force while the plane was built in
declared the plane a loss, 1978, it was in good condi-
though there was no sign tion. The Air Force said it
of what happened to it. flies this route monthly.
The Air Force said two The plane took off at Mon-
ships, more than a dozen day afternoon from the
planes and three satellites southern city of Punta Are-
were being used in the nas, more than 3,000 kilo-
search. meters (1,860 miles) from
Officials said the plane the capital of Santiago.
had taken off in favorable In this image made from video, Gen. Eduardo Mosqueira, right, of the Fourth Air Brigade speaks Contact was lost at 6:13
conditions on Monday, to the media next to a map of the area where the airplane is missing, in Punta Arenas, Chile, p.m., the initial announce-
though it was flying in an Monday, Dec. 9, 2019. ment said.
area notorious for rapidly Associated Press Drake’s Passage, the sea
changing conditions, with three civilians. They were said via Twitter that he was are with the families of the between the southern
freezing temperatures and en route to check on a with his defense and interi- 38 crew members and tip of South America and
strong winds. floating fuel supply line or ministers at the air force passengers,” Piñera said, Antarctica, is infamous
The C-130 Hercules carried and other equipment at headquarters monitoring adding that he had can- for severe weather condi-
17 crew members and the Chilean base. developments. celled a planned trip to tions, including ferocious
21 passengers, including President Sebastián Piñera “My thoughts and prayers attend Tuesday’s inaugu- storms.q