International
Seoul, Tokyo and Washington condemn “in the most energetic terms” the Pyongyang-Moscow pact
South Korea, Japan and the United States published a statement on Monday in which they “condemn in the most vigorous terms possible” the recent agreement between North Korea and Russia, which deepens their military cooperation and can increase the supply of weapons from Pyongyang to Moscow for use in Ukraine.
The text, published by the South Korean Foreign Ministry, places special emphasis on “the continuous transfers of weapons from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (official name of North Korea) to Russia that prolong the suffering of the Ukrainian people, violate multiple United Nations Security Council Resolutions and threaten stability in both Northeast Asia and Europe.”
The statement adds that the Pyongyang-Moscow rapprochement “should be a cause for serious concern for anyone who has an interest in maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, defending the global non-proliferation regime and supporting the people of Ukraine in their defense of their freedom and independence against Russia’s brutal aggression.”
The so-called “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement”, which includes a clause of mutual military assistance in case of aggression against its territories, was signed last week coinciding with the visit to Pyongyang of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who signed the pact together with the North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un.
The agreement, which both Moscow and Pyongyang say complies with international law, could also involve the shipment of Russian technology to North Korea, according to some experts.
“The United States, the Republic of Korea (official name of South Korea) and Japan reaffirm their intention to further strengthen their diplomatic and security cooperation to counter the threats posed by the DPRK to regional and global security and prevent an escalation of the situation,” adds the joint statement published today.
The announcement concludes that the US commitment to the defense of its two allies “remains firm” and that Seoul, Washington and Tokyo “reaffirm that the path of dialogue remains open and urge the DPRK to cease new provocations and return to negotiations.”
After the failure of the dialogue on denuclearization in 2019, Pyongyang has opted to turn its back on new proposals to negotiate, to modernize its armaments, to rule out peaceful reunification with the South and to strengthen its rapprochement with Putin’s Russia, especially after the invasion of Ukraine.
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
-
International4 days agoArsenal stun Real Madrid at the Bernabéu to reach Champions League semifinals
-
Central America3 days agoNicaraguan Exiles to Mark 7th Anniversary of 2018 Protests with Global Commemorations
-
International3 days agoDominican ‘False Hero’ Arrested for Faking Role in Nightclub Collapse That Killed 231
-
International2 days agoACLU seeks emergency court order to stop venezuelan deportations under Wartime Law
-
International4 days agoBogotá residents line up for yellow fever vaccine amid national alert
-
International4 days agoDeSantis’ immigration crackdown sparks alarm in Venezuelan Communities in Doral
-
Central America2 days agoUN complaint filed against Costa Rica over detention of migrant children
-
International4 days agoMexico refuses to restore ties with Ecuador while Noboa remains in office
-
International22 hours agoThousands rally nationwide against Trump’s threat to U.S. democracy
-
International4 hours agoPope Francis Appears for Easter Blessing, Calls for Peace and Religious Freedom
-
Central America4 hours agoSenator Van Hollen Meets with Deported MS-13 Member in El Salvador; Trump and Bukele React