International

Haiti’s new Prime Minister, Garry Conille, promises to face the serious crisis

The new Prime Minister of Haiti, Garry Conille, pledged to work with the Presidential Transitional Council to solve the problems facing the country, plunged into an unprecedented socio-political crisis, as he said in a 9-minute message posted on his YouTube account.

“I am now committed to working closely with all the counselors to solve the urgent problems facing the country,” he said.

Conille assured that he is also committed to working for the success of the transition, before stressing that he has “accepted the position with great humility,” thanking the counselors and organizations that placed their trust in him.

He called his appointment a “great step forward” for Haiti, despite the crisis it is currently going through. Conille stated that, since his election by the Council, he has dialogued with the actors of the national and international community.

“The Presidential Council is already actively working to identify the profiles that will form the Government. We are going to work so that the Transitional Government reflects the courage, generosity, resilience and diversity of the Haitian people,” he said.

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“The average age of the Haitian population is 23 years old. So young people must be well represented. Half of the population are women. Women must find their place in the Government,” he said.

He promised that, together with the Presidential Transitional Council, he will do everything possible to find competent people with honest practices, who love his country and are willing to sacrifice themselves to fight for it.

Conille drew a critical picture of the situation in Haiti, which is going through a difficult period. “And despite the many sacrifices of the police, armed groups occupy a large part of the metropolitan region. They kill and rape without punishment,” he lamented.

“Several hundred thousand compatriots have been forced to leave their homes, almost half of the population does not have enough food to eat every day, and it is in difficult conditions that four million students go to school,” he recalled.

“Medicines, dispensaries and hospitals are becoming luxuries. Small merchants close their doors and the cost of living increases,” he said.

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“If we join, I can guarantee that we will get out of the situation we are in. I have always believed that there is no Haitian fatality,” Conille said, stating that he is sure that the country will get the final victory.

In his message he also said: “We will do everything possible to make this transition a success. And to make sure that our institutions are in place on time,” remembering that Haiti cannot lose and that the country will not lose.

The Presidential Transitional Council of Haiti, composed of seven members with voice and vote and two others with voice only, published on Thursday the decree appointing Garry Conille as prime minister in the official newspaper Le Moniteur, two days after electing him at the National Palace.

International

Oil prices surge again as Middle East tensions persist

Oil prices climbed again on Friday for a second consecutive session, as markets remained concerned about a prolonged conflict in the Middle East with no tangible diplomatic progress.

North Sea Brent crude for May delivery rose 4.22% to close at $112.57 per barrel.

Meanwhile, U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) approached the $100 mark, settling at $99.64, up 5.46%.

The decision by U.S. President Donald Trump to delay by ten days his ultimatum for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz failed to reassure market participants.

“It means there will be ten additional days of disruptions in the Middle East for crude and refined product flows,” said Andy Lipow, of Lipow Oil Associates.

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“For prices to come down, a resolution to the conflict is necessary,” Lipow added. “And even in the event of a ceasefire, it is not certain that Iran would allow oil shipments to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.”

International

Young Spanish Woman Receives Euthanasia After Legal Battle, Sparking Debate

A 25-year-old Spanish woman, Noelia Castillo, received euthanasia on Thursday following a prolonged legal dispute with her father.

She passed away at a care center in Sant Pere de Ribes, about 40 kilometers from Barcelona, where she had been living for some time, according to Spanish media reports.

In an interview broadcast a day earlier on Antena 3, Castillo expressed her exhaustion after enduring prolonged suffering. She indicated that her decision was influenced by a combination of personal circumstances and health-related challenges, including family conflicts and a condition of paraplegia following a previous incident that left her with lasting physical consequences.

Spain legalized euthanasia in 2021, becoming one of the few countries that allow patients under strict conditions to seek medical assistance to end their lives in order to avoid what the law defines as unbearable suffering.

The case has reignited debate in Spain over the ethical, legal, and family dimensions surrounding euthanasia, as well as the broader issue of support for individuals in vulnerable situations.

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International

Over 300 U.S. Troops Wounded Since Start of Iran Conflict, CENTCOM Says

More than 300 U.S. service members have been injured since the start of the conflict with Iran on February 28, the United States Central Command confirmed on Friday.

“Since the beginning of Operation Epic Fury, approximately 303 U.S. service members have been wounded. The vast majority of these injuries are minor, and 273 troops have already returned to duty,” said U.S. Navy Captain Tim Hawkins.

A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity to AFP, indicated that 10 American troops remain seriously injured.

According to the latest figures, an additional 13 U.S. service members have been killed since the conflict began, including seven in the Gulf region and six in Iraq.

Meanwhile, Iran’s armed forces warned on Friday that hotels hosting U.S. troops in the region could be considered legitimate military targets.

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“When U.S. forces enter a hotel, from our perspective that hotel becomes American,” said armed forces spokesperson Abolfazl Shekarchi in remarks broadcast on state television.