Uruguay to Vote on Whether to Allow Bitcoin to Become Legal Tender

THE RIO TIMES: In his bill, in addition to Bitcoin's use as a means of payment, Uruguayan Senator Sartori proposes the creation of three types of licenses for companies directly related to the country's crypto market.

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - After El Salvador recently made Bitcoin legal tender in the country; Uruguay is now thinking about doing the same.

Uruguayan Senator Juan Sartori has announced a bill to make Bitcoin a legal tender in Uruguay, allowing companies to introduce the cryptocurrency and create specific regulations for the sector.

"Cryptocurrencies are an opportunity to create investment and jobs. Today I presented a globally groundbreaking bill that aims to establish a legitimate, legal and secure use for companies related to the production and commercialization of cryptocurrencies in Uruguay," he said on Twitter. » | The Rio Times | Thursday, August 5, 2021

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Former Guantanamo Bay Detainee Weds Muslim Convert in Uruguay

Adel bin Muhammad El Ouerghi with his wife Samira
(formerly Roma), a Uruguayan who converted to Islam
four months ago.

THE GUARDIAN: Adel bin Muhammad El Ouerghi, a 50-year-old Tunisian, married Roma Blanco, a 24-year-old Uruguayan

Former Guantanamo Bay detainee Adel bin Muhammad El Ouerghi looked out his apartment window Friday and smiled as he showed off his wedding ring to a handful of cheering onlookers below.

The 50-year-old Tunisian married Roma Blanco, a 24-year-old Uruguayan who converted to Islam. The union was the first of two weddings being organized by men resettled in the South American country.

“Adel is humble, respectful, nice and very gentlemanly,” Blanco said. “He is everything that a woman can expect from a man.”

Blanco added she liked her husband’s sincerity, and how he treated her 5-year-old son from a previous relationship.

She said she converted to Islam four months ago and planned to take the name Samira. She and El Ouerghi met a month ago at a mosque. Blanco wore a light purple scarf and a violet jacket with gold-colored lacing. She also had henna designs on her hands, customary for Muslim women for the marriage ceremony. » | Associated Press | Friday, June 05, 2015

Uruguay Becomes First Country in the World to Legalise Marijuana Trade

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Backers of the law, some smoking joints, gathered near Congress holding green balloons and Jamaican flags in homage to Bob Marley

Uruguay has become the first country to legalise the growing, sale and smoking of marijuana, a pioneering social experiment that will be closely watched by other nations debating drug liberalization.

A government-sponsored bill approved by 16-13 votes in the Senate provides for regulation of the cultivation, distribution and consumption of marijuana and is aimed at wresting the business from criminals in the small South American nation.

Backers of the law, some smoking joints, gathered near Congress holding green balloons, Jamaican flags in homage to Bob Marley and a sign saying: "Cultivating freedom, Uruguay grows."

Cannabis consumers will be able to buy a maximum of 40 grams (1.4 ounces) each month from licensed pharmacies as long as they are Uruguayan residents over the age of 18 and registered on a government database that will monitor their monthly purchases.

When the law is implemented in 120 days, Uruguayans will be able to grow six marijuana plants in their homes a year, or as much as 480 grams (about 17 ounces), and form smoking clubs of 15 to 45 members that can grow up to 99 plants per year. Read on and comment » | Reuters | Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Talk to Al Jazeera: José Mujica: 'I Earn More Than I Need'

The man described as the world's 'poorest president' discusses Uruguay's move to legalise marijuana.

Read the article here