International
Colombian government and ELN resume round of talks in Mexico
December 5 |
The Colombian government and the National Liberation Army (ELN), began this Monday the fifth round of peace talks in Mexico, a country that has hosted the negotiation processes between the participating delegations.
In a message from the Mexican Foreign Ministry, Mexico reiterates its permanent commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes and the promotion of peace and security in Latin America, as well as its firm and unequivocal support to the peace process between the Government of Colombia and the ELN.
Likewise, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged that this new round of dialogues and negotiations contribute to open ways to reach a definitive and lasting solution to the conflict.
For its part, the ELN from its Twitter account stated that “our delegation is back in Mexico to start the V Cycle of talks of the Dialogue Table. Here we sign the Mexico Agreement, which contains a different model of Peace negotiation, which is distinguished because it demands changes and transformations for Peace”.
In the joint declarations issued by both negotiating countries, it is stated that they will continue to count on the accompaniment of the host country and the Governments of Brazil, Chile, Cuba, Norway and Venezuela; of the Special Representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations in Colombia and of the Colombian Episcopal Conference.
According to the Head of Delegation of the National Liberation Army ELN, Peace Dialogues, Pablo Beltrán, and published by Colombia Informa, “to date no public statement has been made by the national government, the ELN, friendly countries or the monitoring mechanism on the allegations made by the communities on the collusion of paramilitaries with the security forces”.
These statements have taken place after what happened with Luis Manuel Díaz, “who was kidnapped and later released by that insurgent group”, while “the issue of how to resolve the ELN’s support returned to the center of the debate”.
Likewise, Colombia Informa stated that the Government and ELN will resume the Fifth Cycle of Peace Talks in Mexico in the midst of tensions, “where the issue of kidnapping and ELN financing will be mandatory topics, however, little is known about what priority will be given to the complaints against the Colombian army for collusion with paramilitary groups, as denounced by the communities”.
The platform, which permanently addresses these issues within its informative agenda, emphasized that “it is also unclear when there will be results from the Colombian State to resolve the humanitarian crisis that is being experienced in the regions”.
According to Indepaz, a few days before the end of 2023, more than 150 social leaders, 39 peace signatories and 90 massacres have been assassinated in Colombia.
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
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Extension of the state of emergency approved in southern Chile
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