LIMA, Sept 21 (Reuters) - A key panel of Peru's opposition-controlled Congress rejected a request by President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski to expedite his economic reforms, the first blow to his bid to revive flagging domestic demand.

MEXICO CITY, Sept 21 (Reuters) - The financial affairs of hundreds of Mexicans mentioned in a cache of documents dubbed the "Bahamas Leaks" will be checked for tax violations, the Tax Authority of Mexico (SAT) said on Wednesday.

BEIJING (Reuters) - China has launched a probe into soaring sugar imports following complaints by its domestic industry, the government said on Thursday, the latest sign that trade tensions between major commodities producing nations is intensifying.

RIO DE JANEIRO, Sept 21 (Reuters) - A U.S. class-action lawsuit over corruption at Brazil's Petrobras will not overshadow the state oil company's $74 billion, five-year plan to slash its crippling debt and refocus on its core business, chief executive officer Pedro Parente said on Wednesday.

CARACAS (Reuters) - Venezuela's national election board on Wednesday dashed opposition hopes of holding a referendum this year to remove unpopular socialist President Nicolas Maduro.

(Reuters) - Vice President Joe Biden said on Wednesday that he sees a "less than even chance" that the U.S. Congress approves the 12-country Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact before the next administration takes office in January.

NEW YORK, Sept 21 (Reuters) - Mexican Economic Minister Ildefonso Guajardo Villarreal said on Wednesday that Mexico was prepared to "talk to the devil" should Republican Donald Trump win the U.S. presidential election in November.

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos on Wednesday warned leftist rebels that their illicit fortune would be seized and used to pay reparations to war victims should voters approve a peace agreement in an Oct. 2 plebiscite.

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Mexican Economic Minister Ildefonso Guajardo Villarreal said on Wednesday that Mexico was prepared to "talk to the devil" should Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump win the U.S. election in November.