Central America
Panama govt, protesters edge closer in talks to end road closures
AFP
The Panamanian government and protesters edged closer Monday to an agreement to end a weeks-long living cost revolt that has blocked roads, interrupted food supplies and damaged the economy.
Authorities agreed in the early morning hours to reduce the price of 72 basic consumer items by some 30 percent on average.
“The national government has every intention of continuing dialogue and today has shown it also has the will to reach agreements,” Labor Minister Doris Zapata said on the fifth day of marathon talks in Penonome, 150 kilometers (93 miles) southwest of the capital Panama City.
“There is already the first step on the road to solving the problems of the social crisis that this country is experiencing,” said Fernando Abrego, a spokesman for one of the demonstrators.
For three weeks, amid worsening economic woes for Panama, protesters demanding lower fuel, food and medicine prices have blockaded the crucial Pan-American Highway and other major roads with stalled trucks and burning tires. Some have clashed with police.
Despite its dollarized economy and impressive growth figures, the country of 4.4 million people has one of the world’s highest rates of social inequality, with poor access to health services, education and clean drinking water in some areas.
The demonstrations have triggered food and fuel shortages in some parts of the country, and the business sector says some $500 million has been lost.
Even before the talks started, the government had lowered the price of 18 basic products and that of fuel from $5.20 per gallon to $3.25 in an unsuccessful bid to end the standoff.
Protesters had demanded a lowering of the price of 82 products and want a limit to be imposed on company profits, a measure the government has rejected.
Other demands include reducing the price of medicines and electricity, increasing investment in education and the public health system, and measures against government corruption.
Luis Sanchez, another spokesman for the protesters, said some roads have been opened in a gesture of good faith.
But the government asked for all blockades to be ended.
“There is a population distressed by the closures,” said Zapata.
Central America
Bodies found in black plastic bags in a clandestine cemetery in Honduras
A clandestine cemetery was discovered this Friday in the 28 de Marzo neighborhood of Tegucigalpa, Honduras, according to local media reports. Police authorities have arrived at the scene to begin the corresponding investigations.
The discovery was made after residents in the area spotted a body wrapped in black plastic bags and notified authorities. Shortly afterward, another set of remains was found just a few meters away. Specialized teams also reported the presence of animal bones, prompting investigations to determine whether the remains belong to a single individual or multiple bodies, along with the animal remains found.
Honduran media also reported that security forces have launched an operation in nearby areas to determine if more human remains are present.
Central America
Two U.S. military planes deport dozens of Guatemalans amid Trump’s massive migration crackdown
Two U.S. military planes carrying dozens of deported Guatemalans arrived in Guatemala on Friday, following the announcement by Donald Trump’s administration of the beginning of a massive migrant deportation operation, according to official authorities.
A total of 79 Guatemalans (31 women and 48 men) were onboard the first flight, which landed at midnight, the Guatemalan Migration Institute reported. A second plane arrived Friday morning, though the exact number of passengers on that flight has not yet been confirmed. Authorities are also expecting an additional flight.
“We can confirm that, overnight, two Department of Defense planes conducted repatriation flights from the United States to Guatemala,” the Pentagon stated.
Central America
El Salvador extends condolences to Turkey following deadly hotel fire
The Government of El Salvador extends its condolences and expresses solidarity with the Government of Turkey following the death of at least 76 people and more than 50 injuries in the fire at the Grand Kartal Hotel in Bolu Province on January 21.
“El Salvador offers its hopes for the swift recovery of those affected and expresses its deepest sympathy to the families of the deceased due to this tragic event,” said a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“Our country reaffirms the strong bonds of friendship shared with the Republic of Turkey, especially during this time of profound sorrow.”
The Turkish government began burying the victims on Wednesday, amid accusations of negligence.
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