Alberto Fernández
‘Let’s deepen this link’: Argentina’s president thanks Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh
With Argentina winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup held in Qatar, something wonderful that happened is that Bangladesh’s passionate fanbase who have been cheering on the South American football team for decades have finally received Argentine recognition and appreciation as well as global attention. And now, Argentina’s President, Alberto Fernandez has personally thanked Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the people of Bangladesh.
On December 20, the Argentine president posted a picture of Sheikh Hasina’s letter congratulating Argentina from his verified Twitter account.
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Translation of Fernandez’s Tweet in Spanish reads: “Thank you, Sheikh Hasina and the entire people of Bangladesh.
“The union and mutual affection that we have seen in recent weeks has become inexplicable, and today both flags are flying here as well. Let’s deepen this link.”
Argentina’s Foreign Minister Santiago Cafiero announced in a tweet a few days ago that he will take measures to reopen an embassy in Bangladesh, which was closed in 1978.
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2 years ago
Argentine president says man tried to shoot vice president
A man was detained Thursday night after he aimed a handgun at point-blank range toward Argentine Vice President Cristina Fernández in what President Alberto Fernández called a homicide attempt.
“A man pointed a firearm at her head and pulled the trigger,” the president said in a national broadcast. He said the gun didn't fire.
The president shortly after video from the scene broadcast on local television channels showed Fernández exiting her vehicle surrounded by supporters outside her home when a man could be seen extending his hand with what looked like a pistol. The vice president ducked.
The man, who had not been identified, was detained seconds into the incident.
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Supporters surrounding the person appear shocked at what is happening amid the commotion in the Recoleta neighborhood of Argentina’s capital.
"A person who was identified by those who were close to him who had a gun was detained by (the vice president’s) security personnel,” Security Minister Aníbal Fernández told local cable news channel C5N.
The minister said he wanted to be careful in providing details until the investigation learned more.
Unverified video posted on social media shows the pistol almost touched Fernández’s face.
Government officials were quick to describe the incident as an assassination attempt.
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“When hate and violence are imposed over the debate of ideas, societies are destroyed and generate situations like the one seen today: an assassination attempt,” Economy Minister Sergio Massa said.
Ministers in President Alberto Fernández's government issued a news release saying they “energetically condemn the attempted homicide" of the vice president. “What happened tonight is of extreme gravity and threatens democracy, institutions and the rule of law,” reads the release.
Former President Mauricio Macri also repudiated the attack. “This very serious event demands an immediate and profound clarification by the judiciary and security forces,” Macri wrote on Twitter.
Supporters of the vice president have been gathering in the streets surrounding her home since last week, when a prosecutor called for a 12-year sentence for Fernández in a case involving alleged corruption in public works.
Tensions have been running high in the upper class Recoleta neighborhood since the weekend, when the vice president's supporters clashed with police in the streets surrounding her apartment amid an effort by law enforcement officers to clear the area.
Fernández, who is not related to the current president, served as president herself in 2007-2015.
2 years ago
Argentine president's test shows Covid-19; awaits confirmation
Argentine President Alberto Fernández says he had an initial positive test for COVID-19, despite having been vaccinated in January.
Fernández sent a tweet late Friday saying took a quick antigen test for the virus after feeling a headache and experiencing a fever of 37.3 Celsius (99.1 Fahrenheit). He said he otherwise has light symptoms, is isolating and is "physically well."
He said he is awaiting a confirmation of the result using a more rigorous PCR test.
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The president received a dose of the Sputnik V vaccine on Jan. 21 and a second dose a few days later.
The Russian Gamaleya Institute that produced the vaccine tweeted that it wished the president a quick recovery, and said the vaccine has a 91.6% rate of effectiveness against infection and 100% against critical cases.
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"If the infection is confirmed and occurred, the vaccination assures a rapid recovery without severe symptoms," it said.
Argentina recently tightened border restrictions due to an upsurge in cases. The nation of some 45 million people has recorded nearly 2.4 million infections, with 56,000 deaths. It has administed more than 4 million doses of vaccine against the disease.
3 years ago