International
US expects timely installation of new Haiti prime minister after Ariel Henry’s exit
Amidst the political turmoil in Haiti, the United States is calling for the swift appointment of a new prime minister following the resignation of Ariel Henry. Henry, who has been serving as interim prime minister since July 2021, announced his resignation amidst escalating violence and pressure from various quarters.
The State Department spokesperson, Matthew Miller, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that the appointment of a new prime minister should occur “without further delay.” This sentiment was echoed during a CARICOM meeting in Jamaica, where representatives from the US, France, and the UN discussed Haiti’s political future.
Henry’s resignation will only take effect upon the formation of a transitional presidential council, a process expected to unfold within the next 24 to 48 hours. The formation of this council is crucial for ensuring a smooth transition of power and for facilitating the appointment of a new prime minister.
Despite the urgency of the situation, Henry did not attend the CARICOM meeting, remaining stranded in Puerto Rico due to the prevailing violence and mounting pressure for his resignation.
In addition to addressing the political vacuum in Haiti, there were discussions about Kenya’s decision to postpone the deployment of a thousand police officers to lead a multinational mission approved by the UN. While the delay is understandable given the circumstances, the US emphasized the need for the deployment to proceed expeditiously.
A senior State Department official stressed the importance of swift action, emphasizing that Washington has already reimbursed Nairobi for the costs associated with training the Kenyan forces slated for deployment to Haiti.
As Haiti grapples with political instability and security challenges, the international community, led by the United States, is closely monitoring developments and advocating for a timely and orderly transition of power to ensure stability and security in the country.
International
Missile attack hits Kharkiv homes, leaving 13 wounded
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Friday that a Russian missile attack on residential buildings in the eastern city of Kharkiv has left at least 13 people injured, according to local authorities.
“A horrific Russian attack on Kharkiv,” Zelensky wrote on Telegram, explaining that two missiles were fired, striking residential areas and causing “a number of casualties that is still being clarified.”
Local officials later confirmed that 13 people were injured in the attack, six of whom were hospitalized, including one woman in serious condition.
International
Sheinbaum evacuates National Palace after 6.5-magnitude earthquake hits Southern Mexico
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo evacuated the National Palace on Friday along with journalists and federal government staff after the seismic alert was activated during her morning press conference, triggered by a 6.5-magnitude earthquake with its epicenter in the south of the country.
The alert sounded while the president was speaking from the Treasury Hall, forcing the immediate interruption of the event and the activation of established safety protocols.
“Oh, it’s shaking,” Sheinbaum said as she noticed the tremor, before urging those present to remain calm.
According to preliminary information, the earthquake struck the state of Guerrero, one of Mexico’s most seismically active regions. The National Seismological Service (SSN) reported that the quake occurred at 7:58 a.m. local time (13:58 GMT).
Sheinbaum led the orderly evacuation of the historic building, accompanied by reporters covering the briefing and federal government personnel. Images released afterward show the president waiting in the central courtyard of the National Palace as she awaited guidance from Civil Protection authorities on whether it was safe to resume activities.
International
Canada’s prime minister Mark Carney to join Ukraine peace talks in Paris
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Friday that he will take part in peace negotiations on Ukrainescheduled to be held in Paris on January 5 and 6.
In a statement, the Canadian government said the meeting will bring together countries belonging to the so-called Coalition of the Willing, and aims to “accelerate efforts toward a negotiated peace” in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, supported by robust security guarantees.
Carney said Canada is working closely with its allies to achieve a “just and lasting peace,” stressing that the Coalition of the Willing must both deter further aggression and reinforce security guarantees, while ensuring that Ukraine is able to rebuild, recover and lay the foundations for genuine prosperity.
The Coalition of the Willing is made up of around 30 countries, the vast majority of them European, all of which are allies of Kyiv.
On Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that a meeting of the Coalition, alongside other European leaders, will take place in Paris on January 6, focusing on security guarantees for Ukraine in the event of a future peace agreement with Russia.
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