International
Venezuela and the United States are committed to “gaining trust” and maintaining communications
The Governments of Venezuela and the United States agreed on Wednesday to work to “gain trust” and maintain communications “in a respectful and constructive way,” after the first “virtual meeting” between officials from both countries, without diplomatic relations since 2019, Caracas reported.
The person in charge of these conversations by the Venezuelan Executive, Jorge Rodríguez, indicated in X that in this first meeting the parties expressed their willingness to do a joint work to “improve relations” between the nations.
“We show our rejection of the misrepresentations that about this dialogue and repeatedly have been published by spokespeople of the US Government. We warn that we will always respond with the truth,” remarked the also president of Parliament.
According to him, his delegation insisted “that the dialogue should be limited to what was agreed in Qatar,” alluding to pacts that Caracas and Washington signed in parallel to the negotiations in Barbados between the Executive and the Democratic United Platform (PUD), the largest opposition bloc, from which an electoral guarantees agreement emerged.
The Government of Nicolás Maduro,” Rodríguez added, “also reiterated that, “in order to continue regaining mutual trust and relations between governments, the principles of self-determination, sovereignty and reciprocity must be respected.”
For her part, the White House spokeswoman, Karine Jean-Pierre, reiterated – at a press conference – the US request for the dialogue process to be in “good faith” and reaffirmed the request that the presidential elections on July 28 in Venezuela be competitive and inclusive.
Since March 2022, when a delegation from the White House traveled to Caracas to meet with Maduro, the talks between the United States and the Caribbean country are intermittent, and with ups and downs.
Among the agreements reached, is the partial lifting of U.S. sanctions against Venezuela last October, a relief that was reversed six months later, by Caracas – according to Joe Biden’s Executive – not complying with what was agreed in Barbados.
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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