Latest news from the wires: Associated Press and Reuters
 

Zelaya issues ultimatum: 'Reinstate me or else'

Negotiations to end Honduras' political crisis are facing a new challenge after the ousted president vowed to act on his own if he is not returned to power in the next round of talks, possibly this weekend. (Associated Press Writer, 2:29 a.m.)

Police find 12 tortured bodies in Mexico

Prosecutors said they found the bound, blindfolded and tortured bodies of at least a dozen people Monday on a roadside in the western state of Michoacan, which has become a flash point in Mexico's war on drugs. (Associated Press Writer, 12:10 a.m.)

Suspected drug hitmen dump 12 bodies on Mexico road

Police found 12 bodies tortured, executed and dumped on the side of an isolated highway in western Mexico on Monday, the latest victims of an ongoing feud between rival drug cartels. (Reuters, 7/13/09)

Mexico, US set protocol on weapons cooperation

Mexico and the United States have agreed on a protocol for sharing information in arms trafficking cases. (AP, 7/13/09)

Ousted Honduran president issues talks ultimatum

Ousted Honduran President Manuel Zelaya warned on Monday he will deem mediation talks over the country's political crisis "failed" unless he is reinstated at the next meeting, likely this weekend. (Reuters, 7/13/09)

U.S., Cuba to resume migration talks on Tuesday

The United States and Cuba plan to resume talks on Cuban migration to the United States on Tuesday, a U.S. official said, a dialogue that is part of U.S. President Barack Obama's bid to engage the communist island. (Reuters, 7/13/09)

American journalist briefly detained in Venezuela

An American photographer working for The New York Times was briefly detained by agents from the security detail of a Venezuelan state governor, who seized his camera and erased his photos. (AP, 7/13/09)

Chavez opponents to meet with OAS chief

Venezuelan opposition leaders said Monday that they will meet with the secretary-general of the Organization of American States to discuss their concerns about growing authoritarianism under President Hugo Chavez. (AP, 7/13/09)

Carlos heads out into the Pacific

Tropical Storm Carlos strengthened again slightly on Monday as it headed west over the open waters of the Pacific Ocean. (AP, 7/13/09)

Peru's Fujimori admits irregular payments in trial

Former Peruvian President Alberto Fujimori acknowledged Monday that he paid his spy chief $15 million in state money to quit as his government collapsed amid a corruption scandal. (Associated Press Writer, 7/13/09)

Spanish priest killed in Cuba, 2nd in 5 months

A second Spanish priest in five months has been found dead near the capital, Cuba's Roman Catholic Church said Monday. (AP, 7/13/09)

Puerto Ricans tune in hearings, cheer on Sotomayor

Puerto Ricans tuned in to Sonia Sotomayor's Senate confirmation hearings on Monday to cheer on the judge with local roots whose nomination to the Supreme Court has boosted pride across the island. (Associated Press Writer, 7/13/09)

World Court sets rules for San Juan River traffic

The United Nations' highest court set travel rules Monday for the Nicaraguan river that borders Costa Rica, affirming freedom for Costa Rican boats while upholding Nicaragua's right to regulate traffic. (Associated Press Writer, 7/13/09)

Police find 12 tortured bodies in Mexico

Prosecutors said they found the bound, blindfolded and tortured bodies of at least a dozen people Monday on a roadside in the western state of Michoacan, which has become a flash point in Mexico's war on drugs. (Associated Press Writer, 7/13/09)

Zelaya issues ultimatum: 'Reinstate me or else'

Ousted President Manuel Zelaya, clearly frustrated with stalled negotiations aimed at resolving the country's political crisis, issued an ultimatum to the interim government Monday: Reinstate me or else. (Associated Press Writer, 7/13/09)

Honduras leader may allow Zelaya amnesty, curfew off

Honduras' interim president held out the possibility of an amnesty for ousted President Manuel Zelaya on Sunday after the lifting of a curfew that had been imposed on the country since the June 28 coup. (Reuters, 7/12/09)

Colombia leader gives $1M to victims of conflict

President Alvaro Uribe delivered reparations totaling nearly $1 million on Sunday to 279 victims of Colombia's long-running conflict. (Associated Press Writer, 7/12/09)

NY Philharmonic says Cuba tour prospects promising

Prospects for Cuban performances by the New York Philharmonic look promising following a tour of concert halls and meetings with music officials on the island, orchestra president Zarin Mehta said Sunday. (Associated Press Writer, 7/12/09)

Honduras lifts curfew 2 weeks after military coup

Honduran authorities on Sunday lifted a curfew imposed since the ouster of President Manuel Zelaya two weeks ago -- a sign the interim government is trying to restore normality to life in the crisis-gripped country. (Associated Press Writer, 7/12/09)