International
Blinken calls for an end to the war and addresses the reconstruction of Gaza with Saudi Arabia
The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, asked on Wednesday from Saudi Arabia to “end the war in Gaza and release all the hostages,” while also addressing with the Saudi authorities the reconstruction of the punished Palestinian enclave once the conflict ends.
The head of US diplomacy stressed with his Saudi counterpart, Faisal bin Farhan, “the importance of ending the war in Gaza and releasing all hostages,” according to a statement issued by the US Department of State at the end of the meeting held between the two politicians in Riyadh.
For its part, the official Saudi news agency SPA limited itself to reporting that the meeting “the evolution of regional events was analyzed, especially the situation in Gaza and Lebanon,” in addition to the joint efforts that are being made to stop the escalation in the Middle East.
According to the US department, Blinken and Bin Farhan also “continued talks on how to establish security, governance and reconstruction in the post-conflict period” in the Gaza Strip, completely devastated after more than a year of war, which has caused the death of about 43,000 Palestinians.
A “diplomatic solution” in Lebanon
On the other hand, they stressed the need for “a diplomatic solution in Lebanon,” where Israel began a massive bombing campaign on September 23 and, a week later, began a land invasion in the south of the Mediterranean country that has been condemned by much of the international community.
Subsequently, Blinken met with the Saudi crown prince, Mohamed bin Salman, with whom he addressed “the efforts made to stop military operations and face the humanitarian and security repercussions” of the wars in Gaza and Lebanon, according to a statement from Saudi Foreign Affairs.
In a previous phone call with Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Blinken addressed ways to implement UN Security Council resolution 1701, which ended the war that Israel and the Lebanese Shiite group Hezbula fought in 2006.
Eleventh Middle East tour
The head of US diplomacy landed this Wednesday in Saudi Arabia as part of his eleventh tour of the Middle East since the outbreak of the war in Gaza, on October 7, 2023, although so far his visits to the countries of the region have not given tangible results for the resolution of the conflict and prevent its expansion in the area.
Yesterday, Blinken highlighted in Israel the need to take advantage of the death last week in a confrontation in southern Gaza by Hamas leader, Yahya Sinwar, to reach an agreement that allows the release of the hostages.
In addition to Israel and Saudi Arabia, Blinken will travel to Qatar and the United Kingdom until October 25 to “analyze the importance of ending the war in Gaza” and plan “the post-conflict period,” as well as to reach a diplomatic resolution in Lebanon, according to the US Department of State.
International
Missile attack hits Kharkiv homes, leaving 13 wounded
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Friday that a Russian missile attack on residential buildings in the eastern city of Kharkiv has left at least 13 people injured, according to local authorities.
“A horrific Russian attack on Kharkiv,” Zelensky wrote on Telegram, explaining that two missiles were fired, striking residential areas and causing “a number of casualties that is still being clarified.”
Local officials later confirmed that 13 people were injured in the attack, six of whom were hospitalized, including one woman in serious condition.
International
Sheinbaum evacuates National Palace after 6.5-magnitude earthquake hits Southern Mexico
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo evacuated the National Palace on Friday along with journalists and federal government staff after the seismic alert was activated during her morning press conference, triggered by a 6.5-magnitude earthquake with its epicenter in the south of the country.
The alert sounded while the president was speaking from the Treasury Hall, forcing the immediate interruption of the event and the activation of established safety protocols.
“Oh, it’s shaking,” Sheinbaum said as she noticed the tremor, before urging those present to remain calm.
According to preliminary information, the earthquake struck the state of Guerrero, one of Mexico’s most seismically active regions. The National Seismological Service (SSN) reported that the quake occurred at 7:58 a.m. local time (13:58 GMT).
Sheinbaum led the orderly evacuation of the historic building, accompanied by reporters covering the briefing and federal government personnel. Images released afterward show the president waiting in the central courtyard of the National Palace as she awaited guidance from Civil Protection authorities on whether it was safe to resume activities.
International
Canada’s prime minister Mark Carney to join Ukraine peace talks in Paris
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Friday that he will take part in peace negotiations on Ukrainescheduled to be held in Paris on January 5 and 6.
In a statement, the Canadian government said the meeting will bring together countries belonging to the so-called Coalition of the Willing, and aims to “accelerate efforts toward a negotiated peace” in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, supported by robust security guarantees.
Carney said Canada is working closely with its allies to achieve a “just and lasting peace,” stressing that the Coalition of the Willing must both deter further aggression and reinforce security guarantees, while ensuring that Ukraine is able to rebuild, recover and lay the foundations for genuine prosperity.
The Coalition of the Willing is made up of around 30 countries, the vast majority of them European, all of which are allies of Kyiv.
On Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that a meeting of the Coalition, alongside other European leaders, will take place in Paris on January 6, focusing on security guarantees for Ukraine in the event of a future peace agreement with Russia.
Missile attack hits Kharkiv homes, leaving 13 wounded
Sheinbaum evacuates National Palace after 6.5-magnitude earthquake hits Southern Mexico
Canada’s prime minister Mark Carney to join Ukraine peace talks in Paris
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
-
International5 days agoMan accused of killing nine in Paramaribo dies by suicide in police custody
-
International3 days agoMexico’s President Visits Victims After Train Derailment Kills 13 in Oaxaca
-
International3 days agoOne Dead, Three Injured in Shooting at Cree Nation in Saskatchewan
-
International5 days agoSix killed, including baby, in armed attack near tourist beach in Ecuador
-
International1 day agoBrazil’s Bolsonaro Returns to Prison After Supreme Court Denies House Arrest
-
International16 hours agoMissile attack hits Kharkiv homes, leaving 13 wounded
-
International3 days ago
Regional mexican music mourns the death of Banda Gota de Oro singer Giovanni Vera
-
International16 hours agoCanada’s prime minister Mark Carney to join Ukraine peace talks in Paris
-
International16 hours agoSheinbaum evacuates National Palace after 6.5-magnitude earthquake hits Southern Mexico