International
Lula confesses that he was “frared” by Maduro’s threat about “a bloodbath” if he loses
The president of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, confessed on Monday that he was “scared” when his Venezuelan counterpart, Nicolás Maduro, said that if he loses Sunday’s elections in his country, there will be “a bloodbath.”
“I was scared by that statement,” Lula said in an interview with foreign correspondents, in which he revealed that he spoke twice with Maduro to warn him that “if he wants to contribute to solving Venezuela’s growth problem and the return of those who left, he has to respect the democratic process.”
Lula added that, in democracy, “he who loses takes a bath of votes, not a bloodbath,” and that “Maduro has to learn that when one wins he stays, and when he loses he leaves and prepares for other elections.”
According to the Brazilian president, next Sunday’s elections will be “the only opportunity” for Venezuela to “return to normal” and for the country to reintegrate into the regional and international community.
“That’s what I want for Venezuela and for all of South America,” he added.
He also reported that, in addition to the two observers that Brazil’s electoral justice will send, his former Foreign Foreign Affairs adviser, Celso Amorim, who will be present at Sunday’s elections, will also travel to Venezuela.
Lula has advocated at all times for elections within the consensus of the Barbados Agreements, with full participation of the opposition and with results recognized by all.
He has also defended a wide presence of international observers and expressed his “concern” about the veto of the opponent María Corina Machado, then replaced as a candidate by former diplomat Edmundo González Urrutia, whom the polls place as a favorite for Sunday’s elections.
International
Israel plans to seize security zone in southern Lebanon amid escalating conflict
The Israel Defense Forces announced on Tuesday that it will take control of a broad “security zone” in southern Lebanon, extending to the Litani River, about 30 kilometers from the border, while continuing airstrikes across the country.
The announcement echoes the events of 1982, when Israel invaded the same area during the Lebanese civil war to repel Palestinian armed groups.
Israeli forces previously maintained a buffer zone between 10 and 20 kilometers deep until their full withdrawal in 2000, under pressure from Hezbollah. The two sides are once again in conflict, now within the broader regional tensions involving Iran.
Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Israeli troops are “operating inside Lebanese territory to establish an advanced defensive line” up to the Litani River.
He added that hundreds of thousands of civilians displaced from southern Lebanon will not be allowed to return south of the river until security is guaranteed for residents in northern Israel.
France, which maintains an active diplomatic role in Lebanon, urged Israel to refrain from implementing the plan. Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot warned that such a move could have “serious humanitarian consequences” and worsen the country’s already critical situation.
Since Hezbollah, backed by Iran, entered the regional conflict, Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes in Lebanon, leaving more than 1,000 people dead and over one million displaced, according to local authorities.
“The battle against Hezbollah has only just begun,” said Israeli military spokesperson Ella Waweya on Monday.
Early Tuesday, Israeli airstrikes killed five people in southern Lebanon and three others in a residential area near Beirut.
International
IEA warns Middle East conflict could spark worst energy crisis in decades
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East could trigger the worst energy crisis in decades, warned Fatih Birol, head of the International Energy Agency (IEA), who described the situation as “very serious.”
Speaking at the National Press Club in Canberra, Birol compared the current scenario to the oil crises of the 1970s, noting that during those events the world lost around five million barrels of oil per day in each crisis.
“Today, we have lost 11 million barrels per day—more than the two major oil shocks combined,” he said.
The Turkish economist referred to the conflict that began on February 28, following attacks by the United States and Israel against Iran, which have significantly disrupted global energy markets and driven oil prices higher.
Birol warned that the global economy is facing a “very, very serious threat” and expressed hope that the crisis will be resolved soon.
“No country will be immune to the effects of this crisis if it continues in this direction. Global efforts are urgently needed,” he emphasized.
International
Colombian Air Force Hercules plane crashes during takeoff with troops onboard
A Lockheed C-130 Hercules operated by the Colombian Air Force was involved in a “tragic accident” while taking off from Puerto Leguízamo, in the Putumayo department of southern Colombia, as it was transporting troops, Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez reported on Monday.
The minister stated on social media that the exact number of victims and the causes of the crash have not yet been determined. He also extended his condolences to the families affected and urged the public to avoid speculation until official information is confirmed.
“This is a deeply painful event for the country. Our prayers are with the victims and their families,” Sánchez said, adding that emergency protocols have been activated and an investigation is underway.
Meanwhile, President Gustavo Petro expressed hope that there would be no fatalities in what he described as a “horrific accident that should not have happened.”
Petro also highlighted ongoing efforts to modernize the country’s air fleet and reiterated the need to acquire new helicopters and transport aircraft to strengthen military mobility, particularly in remote regions.
According to local media reports, approximately 110 soldiers were on board the aircraft. So far, at least 20 injured military personnel have been rescued.
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