International
Lula reiterates to Maduro his support for the Barbados Agreements for the next elections
The president of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, spoke on Wednesday with his counterpart from Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, reiterated his support for the Barbados Agreements and stressed the “importance” of a broad international observation in the elections that are planned in that country on July 28.
The Brazilian Presidency reported on that conversation in an official note, in which Lula also “expressed his expectation that the sanctions in force against Venezuela can be lifted, in order to contribute so that the electoral process can continue in a climate of trust and understanding.”
He also reiterated Brazil’s support for the Barbados Agreements, which last year laid the foundations for transparent and free elections but which, according to the Venezuelan opposition, have had violations by the Maduro Government, which aspires to re-election in the next elections.
At the bilateral level, Lula informed Maduro about the interest of Brazilian businessmen in reinvesting and reactivating trade with Venezuela, and asked to strengthen cooperation to improve the protection of Yanomami indigenous people at the common border.
Although Lula emphasized the need for a wide participation of international observers in the July elections, the Superior Electoral Tribunal (TSE) of Brazil announced this week that it will not send any mission to Venezuela.
The electoral body did not explain the reasons for the decision or clarify whether it will participate in a possible mission of the BRICS forum, founded by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, which like the TSE was invited by Venezuela.
Last week, Colombia also announced that it will not send any mission, because as explained by the Foreign Minister, Luis Gilberto Murillo, there would be no “time” to “structure” it with the technical characteristics required by the Venezuelan authorities.
Likewise, last week the Venezuelan National Electoral Council withdrew the invitation it had made to the European Union (EU) to send observers, after the bloc ratified the sanctions on members of the Government and the ruling party.
The presidents of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and Colombia, Gustavo Petro, both of the progressive arc, have expressed “concern” about the obstacles imposed on the registration of opposition candidates for those elections.
In both cases they received a harsh response from the Government of Venezuela, although the matter seemed overcome with the registration of the presidential candidacy of former diplomat Edmundo González Urrutia, standard-bearer of the main opposition coalition.
Central America
Young actress Adriana Isabel Mojica dies in tragic accident in Torrelodones
Young actress and singer Adriana Isabel Mojica, 19 years old, died Thursday morning after being struck by a vehicle in Torrelodones, Spain, confirmed the town’s mayor.
“I am deeply shocked by the death of our young neighbor Adriana Isabel in this tragic accident. My heartfelt support goes to her family and friends during these terribly difficult times. Rest in peace,” posted Almudena Negro, Mayor of Torrelodones.
According to Spain’s El Mundo newspaper, the incident occurred on the A-6 motorway, at kilometer 31.5, at 7:35 a.m.
International
Salvadoran Day celebration returns to Dallas with cultural festivities and free admission
With great joy, Salvadorans residing in Dallas, Texas, will celebrate Salvadoran Day this Saturday, a festival that will bring together thousands of Salvadorans to revive the culture of our country.
The event will take place at the Levy Event Plaza in Irving, Texas. Admission is free, and it is one of the largest Salvadoran events in the United States.
The festival has been held for 25 years, starting in Los Angeles, California, and has expanded to other states, with Dallas hosting it for the second consecutive year.
“Last year, we celebrated it, and thank God it was a success. This year, we will feature our mythological characters, which we started implementing last year and want to continue. It will be a family event, and we want all Hispanics living in Dallas to join us,” said Evelyn Molina, the event organizer.
International
Panama boosts deportations of migrants through Darién gap amid significant drop in arrivals
The Panamanian government pledged on Tuesday to increase the number of deportations of irregular migrants arriving in the country through the Darién Gap, a dangerous jungle that connects with Colombia. The flow of migrants through this area dropped by more than 50 percent in August after President José Raúl Mulino promised to drastically reduce the influx.
“It is clear and evident that given the volume of people, it is difficult to say that we will deport about 500 per day, but we are improving logistics. We are at the beginning of this program,” said Minister of Public Security Frank Alexis Ábrego, as reported by the newspaper ‘El Siglo.’
Ábrego noted that repatriations are voluntary and depend on individuals who wish to return to their countries. He also mentioned the detection of criminals “sought by Interpol and police forces from Ecuador, Colombia, and other countries” who entered Panama through the Darién Gap.
“The goal is to cut off the passage of these criminals to the United States. Our primary interest is to protect our citizens from these criminals attempting to transit through our country; for example, in the last two months, we have detected two members of the Salvadoran gang MS-13, and the most recent one was already residing in our country,” he added.
Finally, he stated that the United States contributed approximately six million dollars to fund deportation flights as part of the memorandum of understanding signed between the two countries.
Over half a million people crossed this area in 2023, where three crossings were closed in July to try to reduce or at least manage arrivals. The Biden administration has also sought cooperation from Panamanian authorities to control the migrant flow to its southern border with Mexico.
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