Eliana and Osvaldo: The first gay couple to formalize their union in Río Cuarto

Translated by Brian Schwarz

Originally published Friday, December 11, 2009 in "La Voz" (lavoz.com.ar) under the heading Eliana y Osvaldo, la primera pareja gay en formalizar su unión

RIO CUARTO, ARGENTINA - Eliana Alcaraz, 43, and Osvaldo Quevado, 47, became the first gay couple to register their civil union in Río Cuarto in a ceremony carried out at city hall.

Today, the couple of 23 years finally held a certified wedding ceremony, although Eliana was named “Ariel Ceferino”, the name that appears on his national identity document (DNI), according to Telediario Digital.

“I’m happy, proud. We’re going for more…for marriage. Thanks to all who have come with us”, said Eliana, according to Río Cuarto radio station Lv16.

The father of bricklayer Osvaldo appeared emotional at the end of the ceremony. “I’m happy that it turned out like this”, he said. “They are both hard workers. (…) They have been together 22 years. She is a very good person…they get along very well”.

Alcaraz’ mother said of her daughter, “She has a heart of gold; she deserves this”.

One of the witnesses of the union was town councilwoman Viviana Yawny, a proponent of the civil unions project.

Mayor Juan Jure met this noon with the couple to greet them, and he excused himself from being absent [at the ceremony], saying he would be traveling. He did promise, however, to attend the reception tonight.

Police regain partial control in Cliza with motorized patrols

Translated by Brian Schwarz

Originally published Thursday, December 10, 2009 in "Los Tiempos" (lostiempos.com) under the heading Reanudarán control policial en Cliza sólo con patrullaje motorizado

COCHABAMBA, BOLIVIA - Police in the Department of Cochabamba set out Thursday to resume motorized patrol in the town of Cliza, 20 miles from the capital, where police control was suspended after inhabitants of this section of the high valley attacked officers and damaged police offices.

“This morning we met in the department headquarters with local authorities and police chiefs where it was decided to reestablish police control starting on Thursday, only with the service of motorized patrols, with the patrol cars and motorcycles that are situated in [the nearby town of] Punata”, said Colonel Carlos Quiroga, the commanding officer of the Bolivian Information Agency (ABI).

Police had to flee the scene when a throng of citizens destroyed police offices and assaulted officers after a man died of undetermined causes while in police custody. “The chief officer of the department and the mayor of Cliza have promised to replace the offices, furnishings, and related equipment in order to reopen the police offices within 15 days”, Quiroga said.