International
President of Mexico meets with U.S. Congressmen
March 20 |
The president of Mexico, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, held a meeting of several hours this Sunday with a delegation of 12 Republican and Democratic legislators from the United States.
Through his social networks, the head of state said that “several issues were discussed with mutual respect and for the benefit of our peoples”.
AMLO was accompanied by the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Marcelo Ebrard, and the Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection, Rosa Icela Rodríguez, who told the press that there was total agreement between the parties to jointly address addictions with a comprehensive strategy.
Ebrard stressed that the legislators told them that they want cooperation, collaboration and joint work to address the issue, a position of respect that is not related to the interferenceist criteria expressed by Republican legislators who proposed to entrust the U.S. Army with the fight against Mexican cartels.
On the other hand, the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Marcelo Ebrard, and the Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection, Rosa Icela Rodríguez, offered a brief balance of the meeting in which they emphasized that there was “total agreement” to go together in the fight against addictions with an integral strategy.
Ebrard pointed out that there was no discussion of the positions of Republican legislators and politicians who have proposed that U.S. soldiers enter national territory to fight drug traffickers.
In turn, Rosa Icela Rodríguez stressed that the drug and violence problem “has to be solved jointly (…) in a comprehensive manner”, because “we are allies, we are neighbors, we are partners and in some areas we are also family”.
He added that the Mexican side is concerned about the illegal trafficking of arms from the U.S. entering Mexico and fueling the problem of violence, while the U.S. side is concerned about the consumption of fentanyl and other drugs.
He recalled that President López Obrador has insisted on “dealing with the problem not only in a punitive way, but also in a social way, also looking at everything related to the prevention of addictions through media campaigns”.
Another member of the Mexican Cabinet, the Secretary of National Defense, Major General Luis Crescencio Sandoval, explained all the works to be carried out on the northern border to improve customs control and reduce illegal drug and arms trafficking without hindering binational trade.
Ebrard pointed out that the recent kidnappings of Americans were not discussed, although the legislators were interested in the fact that the Mexican security cabinet meets daily to review the situation in the country.
He also appreciated that the U.S. legislators took away a good impression from the meeting and assured that binational cooperation will grow, which is a strategic interest of Mexico.
International
Colombia reaches $4.5 billion deal to acquire 17 Gripen Fighter Jets from Saab
The Colombian government has finalized a negotiation agreement with the Swedish company Saab for the purchase of 17 SAP-39 Gripen fighter jets, valued at more than $4.5 billion, according to local media reports.
Colombian outlets indicated that payments are scheduled to begin in 2026, starting with an initial installment of 100 billion Colombian pesos. However, the aircraft will be delivered between 2027 and 2032, when the final jet is expected to arrive in Colombia.
This new contract represents the second-largest public purchase made by Colombia so far this century, surpassed only by the investment in the Bogotá metro system, local media noted.
The agreement is expected to be officially signed during the ceremony commemorating the 216th anniversary of the Colombian Aerospace Force, to be held in Cali on November 14 of this year.
International
Venezuela accuses U.S. of using Naval Deployment to pressure Maduro government
The world’s largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, joined the U.S. Navy’s anti-drug operation in Latin America on Tuesday—a deployment Venezuela has condemned as an attempt to pressure President Nicolás Maduro from power.
In a statement, the U.S. Southern Command confirmed that the carrier, ordered to deploy nearly three weeks ago, has entered its area of responsibility, which includes Latin America and the Caribbean.
“The world’s largest aircraft carrier will strengthen the United States’ ability to detect, monitor, and dismantle illicit actors and activities that threaten the security and prosperity of U.S. territory and our safety in the Western Hemisphere,” said Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell.
According to the White House, the U.S. government under Donald Trump has carried out about twenty operations in the Caribbean and the Pacific since early September, resulting in the deaths of 76 suspected drug traffickers.
However, U.S. authorities have not yet presented evidence that the targeted vessels were being used for drug trafficking or posed a direct threat to the country.
The operations have raised concerns in Caracas, where the Maduro administration views the deployment as a strategic move aimed at provoking regime change in Venezuela.
International
Venezuela mobilizes forces nationwide as tensions with U.S. rise
Venezuela’s armed forces launched a “massive” nationwide deployment on Tuesday in response to what the government calls “imperialist threats” from the United States, which continues its anti-drug military operation in the region and is preparing for the arrival of its most advanced aircraft carrier.
Since late August, U.S. forces have maintained a growing presence in the Caribbean to combat alleged drug trafficking originating from Colombia and Venezuela. The operation has resulted in the bombing of 20 vessels in international waters in the Caribbean and Pacific, leaving 76 people dead.
Venezuelan authorities claim the U.S. mission is aimed at toppling President Nicolás Maduro. While insisting he seeks peace, Maduro has repeatedly warned the country is prepared to defend itself and has frequently showcased military activities.
A statement from Venezuela’s Defense Ministry said the deployment includes land, air, naval, river and missile systems; armed forces units; the Bolivarian militia; and additional police, military and civilian defense structures.
State broadcaster VTV aired speeches from military leaders in various states, along with images of troops mobilizing and equipment being positioned.
However, analysts note that these frequent and highly publicized announcements do not always lead to visible operations on the ground.
On Monday, Maduro cautioned that Venezuela has the “strength and power” to respond to any aggression, including mobilizing civilians. “If imperialism were to strike and do harm, from the moment the order is given, the entire Venezuelan people would mobilize and fight,” he warned.
Arévalo warns of ‘Dark Interests’ targeting human rights defenders in Guatemala
Colombia reaches $4.5 billion deal to acquire 17 Gripen Fighter Jets from Saab
Newborn found in Costa Rican dump survives two days in unsanitary conditions
Tec de Monterrey honors one of its students for his contribution to nanotechnology in medicine
Defense Minister commends salvadoran soldier for Central American Cross Country victory
Extension of the state of emergency approved in southern Chile
-
International3 days agoVenezuela mobilizes forces nationwide as tensions with U.S. rise
-
International4 days agoRecord cold wave freezes Eastern U.S., iguanas falling from trees in Florida
-
International3 days agoInvestigation widens after Michoacán mayor’s killer shot post-arrest
-
International3 days agoUSS Gerald R. Ford arrives in Latin America amid rising U.S. military presence
-
International2 days agoVenezuela accuses U.S. of using Naval Deployment to pressure Maduro government
-
International3 days agoJara: “Real toughness” means targeting drug money in Chile’s crime fight
-
International4 days agoPeru opens new probe into ex-president Humala over killings and forced disappearances
-
Sin categoría2 days agoConvicted gang member challenges Guatemala’s anti-gang law, citing Human Rights Violations
-
Central America1 day agoNewborn found in Costa Rican dump survives two days in unsanitary conditions
-
Central America13 hours agoArévalo warns of ‘Dark Interests’ targeting human rights defenders in Guatemala
-
International13 hours agoColombia reaches $4.5 billion deal to acquire 17 Gripen Fighter Jets from Saab