Havana, May 1 (RHC)-- Workers around the world showed their support for labor rights by participating in numerous May Day marches and rallies.  In a number of countries, protesters clashed with police as anti-riot clad forces attempted to defend the status quo.

Managua, May 1 (RHC)-- The Nicaraguan people are paying homage to Sandinista Comandante Tomás Borge at the Palacio de la Revolución in Managua.  Borge, who was the only living founder of the Sandinista National Liberation Front, the FSLN, died last night in Managua at the age of 81.

Caracas, May 1 (RHC)-- A massive representation of various sectors of trade unionists and Venezuelan workers marched today in Caracas and other Venezuelan cities to commemorate International Workers' Day and celebrate the newly enacted Labor Law (LOT).

Santiago de Chile, May 1 (RHC)-- Chilean labor unions grouped in the Social Committee for a New Chile carried out massive celebrations of International Workers' Day throughout the country today. 

Brasilia, May 1 (RHC)-- Brazilian Dilma Rousseff turned up the heat on the country's private banks on Monday, warning them that her government would be firm in demanding they cut their lending rates in accordance with the central bank's falling benchmark interest rate.

Caracas, May 1^st, (RHC) – Working hours will be reduced in Venezuela from 44 to 40 hours a week, upon the entry into force of the Labor Organic Law, announced president Hugo Chavez on Monday.

Beijing, May 1 (Xinhuanet) -- For the first time in 40 years, seats in the Syrian parliament will be up for grabs by multiple parties in the country’s much-postponed elections, now scheduled for May the 7th.

Kabul, May 1^st, (RHC), -- Afghan protesters took to the streets on Tuesday to demonstrate against NATO forces over the killing of four children, during a military operation carried out Monday in the country’s southern Zabul province.

Managua, May 1 (RHC)—Nicaraguan commander Tomas Borge, founder of the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN), died from a pulmonary condition, PL news agency reported.