International
Bolivia rejects U.S. criticism of its anti-drug efforts
September 18 |
The former president of Bolivia, Evo Morales, and the current Minister of Government of that nation, Eduardo Del Castillo, among others, rejected in recent hours a report prepared by the Government of the United States (US), through which disapproves the anti-drug policy of the Latin American nation.
In statements to a local radio station on Sunday, Morales described the report as “political, contradictory and double standards”. He pointed out that the U.S. “is the country that has one of the highest rates of drug consumption and overdose deaths in the world”.
He called attention to the fact that Washington has always decertified peoples like Bolivia and Venezuela because they are free and dignified, and do not submit to its impositions, he said.
For his part, Del Castillo denounced the day before through his social networks that the report was prepared unilaterally, lacks technical support and has clear geopolitical intentions.
He questioned that the White House report is contrary to international treaties on territorial integrity, sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs of other States.
He affirmed that La Paz only recognizes the International Narcotics Control Board of the United Nations as a qualified international authority to issue an opinion on the subject.
In this regard, he urged Washington not to assume powers that do not correspond to it and to address the “excessive consumption of illicit drugs” among its population, “which causes an uncontrolled increase in international demand for drugs,” he said.
He stressed that Bolivia’s actions in this area have led to a record number of drug seizures, as well as the destruction of clandestine airstrips and illegal laboratories used to process these substances.
He recalled that La Paz is part of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs and that its work has been recognized by the European Union and other Latin American countries.
Jaime Mamani, Vice-Minister of Social Defense and Controlled Substances, joined the Bolivian Government’s questioning and declared to local media that the document issued by the U.S. is “unilateral, biased and political”. He added that it has no value for Bolivia.
On Friday, President Joe Biden sent to Congress the U.S. Government’s Decertification Memorandum, which disapproves for the sixteenth consecutive time the Andean country’s and Venezuela’s fight in this area.
Central America
Senator Van Hollen Meets with Deported MS-13 Member in El Salvador; Trump and Bukele React
U.S. Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen, representing the state of Maryland, held a meeting in El Salvador with deported MS-13 gang member Kilmar Ábrego García, a member of the criminal group classified by the U.S. government as a terrorist organization.
“Kilmar Ábrego García, miraculously resurrected from the ‘extermination camps’ and ‘torture chambers,’ now sipping margaritas with Senator Van Hollen in the tropical paradise of El Salvador!” wrote President Nayib Bukeleon X (formerly Twitter), sharing photos of Van Hollen, Ábrego García, and a lawyer sitting together at a Salvadoran hotel.
The deported gang member is seen wearing a plaid shirt and a flat-brimmed cap, seated at a table with glasses and coffee cups. The senator also shared images of the meeting on his own social media accounts.
Bukele reaffirmed that Ábrego will remain in El Salvador and will not be returned to the United States.
“Now that his health has been confirmed, he has earned the honor of remaining under the custody of El Salvador,” Bukele added.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump criticized the senator’s meeting with Ábrego on Truth Social, calling Van Hollen “a fool” for advocating for Ábrego’s return to the U.S.
International
Pope Francis Appears for Easter Blessing, Calls for Peace and Religious Freedom
Pope Francis, still recovering from pneumonia, appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican on Easter Sunday and, with a faint voice, wished a “Happy Easter” to the thousands of faithful gathered to celebrate the Resurrection of Christ.
A month after being discharged from a lengthy hospital stay, the presence of the 88-year-old pontiff had remained uncertain, with the Vatican not confirming his attendance ahead of time.
Eventually, the pope made a brief appearance in a wheelchair shortly after 12:00 p.m. (10:00 GMT) to deliver his traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing (“to the city and to the world”).
Although no longer wearing an oxygen cannula, the Argentine Jesuit relied on a close aide to read his Easter message, which touched on major global conflicts.
Francis condemned the “dramatic and unworthy humanitarian crisis” in Gaza and called for a ceasefire, while also expressing concern over the “growing climate of antisemitism spreading across the globe.”
He further emphasized the importance of religious freedom and freedom of thought, stating that without mutual respect, “peace is not possible.”
International
Thousands rally nationwide against Trump’s threat to U.S. democracy
Thousands of protesters gathered on Saturday (April 19, 2025) in major cities like New York and Washington, as well as in small communities across the United States, in a second wave of demonstrations against President Donald Trump. The crowds denounced what they view as growing threats to the country’s democratic ideals.
In New York City, demonstrators of all ages rallied in front of the Public Library near Trump Tower, holding signs accusing the president of undermining democratic institutions and judicial independence.
Many protesters also criticized Trump’s hardline immigration policies, including mass deportations and raids targeting undocumented migrants.
“Democracy is in grave danger,” said Kathy Valyi, 73, the daughter of Holocaust survivors. She told AFP that the stories her parents shared about Adolf Hitler’s rise to power in 1930s Germany “are happening here now.”
In Washington, demonstrators voiced concern over what they see as Trump’s disregard for long-standing constitutional norms, such as the right to due process.
Senator Van Hollen Meets with Deported MS-13 Member in El Salvador; Trump and Bukele React
Pope Francis Appears for Easter Blessing, Calls for Peace and Religious Freedom
Thousands rally nationwide against Trump’s threat to U.S. democracy
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
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