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Argentina Leader Announces Controversial Armed Forces Reform

by Associated Press

   BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA --

   Argentina's president says he's removing a ban on military involvement
   in fighting crime, terrorist threats and other internal security
   issues.

   Mauricio Macri said Monday that he'll modify a 2006 decree that limited
   the armed forces to defense against attacks by another country.

   Human rights groups immediately criticized the decision, saying it
   could authorize military espionage, lead to repression and increase
   violence.

   Argentina's current defense doctrine was adopted with the country's
   1976-1983 military dictatorship in mind.

   Human rights groups estimate up to 30,000 people were kidnapped,
   tortured or killed during that period.