INR | AMERICAS: Weekly Updates

Massive Security Deployment in El Salvador

• Massive Security Deployment: The National Civil Police (PNC) deployed 22,000 gendarmes, joined by 60,000 civil protection forces and 7,900 uniformed personnel to safeguard elections in El Salvador.
• The Ministry of Defense assigned 7,995 elements to voting centers nationwide, collaborating with the PNC to ensure a secure electoral environment.
• The Minister of Defense expressed satisfaction with the turnout and highlighted the collaboration between police and military units to maintain peace during the elections.

Read More At :  https://www.prensa-latina.cu/2024/02/04/amplio-despliegue-policial-y-de-fuerza-armada-en-el-salvador

President Bukele wins a landslide victory

• Preliminary results show 87% support, according to CID-Gallup.
• Nuevas Ideas dominates Legislative Assembly: Secures 54 out of 60 seats in the election.
• Competing parties face potential elimination: Despite ongoing minute counts, Bukele and Nuevas Ideas celebrate victory, while other parties risk losing legal status due to low votes.

Read More At :  https://www.prensa-latina.cu/2024/02/05/tribunal-supremo-electoral-por-confirmar-victoria-de-bukele

World Anti-Smoking Conferences Held In Panama

• COP10, involving 180 countries, assesses Framework Convention on Tobacco Control applications, aiming to influence global policies. MOP3, with representatives from 70 nations, focuses on the Protocol for Elimination of Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products to combat illegal manufacturing and smuggling.
• COP10's decisions, while not binding, provide impactful guidance for national anti-smoking policies amid global efforts, addressing issues like industry promotion and emerging products.
• : Despite decreasing global smoking rates, experts caution that the industry, especially targeting minors with addictive products, poses a threat.

Read More At :  https://www.prensa-latina.cu/2024/02/05/panama-acoge-conferencias-mundiales-contra-el-tabaquismo

Educational day in the Dominican Republic

• The organization conducted a widespread information campaign in 10 provinces and the National District, covering various sectors in municipalities.
• The campaign engaged thousands of individuals, offering instructions on voting processes, municipality distinctions, and distributing educational materials.
• As part of upcoming municipal and presidential elections, the organization plans inclusive measures such as voting at home, assisted voting, and auxiliary tables for citizens with disabilities and older adults.

Read More At :  https://www.prensa-latina.cu/2024/02/04/junta-central-electoral-realiza-en-dominicana-jornada-educativa

JCE Accepts Opposition Complaint

• The Dominican Liberation Party (PLD) and Fuerza del Pueblo (FP) lodged a complaint with the JCE about alleged misuse of State resources in favor of PRM candidates during the electoral campaign. The PLD detailed instances where the PRM allegedly benefited from public resources in campaign events, citing activities led by Vice President Raquel Peña and the Coordinator of the Social Cabinet, Francisco Antonio Peña.
• The JCE's decision entails inquiries into the accusations, focusing on potential misuse of State resources in support of specific candidates during the municipal elections on February 18.

Read More At : https://www.prensa-latina.cu/2024/02/04/junta-electoral-dominicana-acoge-denuncias-de-partidos-opositores

Agricultural Engineers Protest in Augusto Valderrama

• The Minister of Agricultural Development,, offers a 1.5% salary increase, but the College of Agricultural Engineers seeks 19.8%, considering rising basic food prices. The government approves only 6.5%, leading to discontent.
• The union plans a march, threatening to halt inspections and approvals at ports, impacting food transport. A previous strike caused a 15-day delay in food product handling.
• Workers demand adherence to a legally mandated salary adjustment every five years, established in Law 11 of April 12, 1982, and job security for those without permanent contracts.

Read More At :  https://www.prensa-latina.cu/2024/02/04/trabajadores-de-ciencias-agricolas-anuncian-paro-en-panama

Chinese Support for Chile

• China expresses confidence in Chile's ability to overcome the devastating fires in the Valparaíso region, acknowledging the firm leadership of the Chilean government.
• The fires are declared the worst catastrophe in the region since the 2010 earthquake, with at least 112 dead, hundreds missing, and nearly 40,000 people affected by home destruction.
• China extends sympathy and solidarity as Chile grapples with the aftermath of the destructive fires, emphasizing the need for collective efforts in rebuilding the nation.

Read More At :  https://www.prensa-latina.cu/2024/02/05/china-expresa-su-pesar-por-victimas-de-incendios-en-chile

Indian - Guyanian Presidential Talks 

• The President will engage in discussions with the Indian leadership, including President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, and Foreign Minister Subrahmanyan Jaishankar, as outlined in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs schedule.
• Recently, India announced enhanced collaboration with Guyana, focusing on hydrocarbons. The memorandum of understanding covers crude oil supply, company participation in the sector, refining, capacity development, clean energy, and regulatory frameworks, aiming to boost bilateral trade and energy security.
• - Long-term Agreement: The collaboration, set to last five years and renewable, aims to diversify energy sources, encourage investment, and provide Indian companies with exploration and production opportunities in Guyana's oil and gas sector.

Read more at :  https://www.prensa-latina.cu/2024/02/05/visitara-india-primer-ministro-de-guyana

Judicial Selection Reform in Bolivia

• Judicial Selection Reform: Bolivia's Movement towards Socialism (MAS) plans a swift process for preselecting judicial candidates, aiming for new authorities in a maximum of 230 days. 
• Meritocracy, with points awarded for qualifications like master's and doctorates, will be crucial. Only candidates with 130 points can pass the preselection by the mixed commission of Justice and Constitution.
• MAS emphasizes qualifications, experience, and transparency in selecting the best professionals. Applicants will have a chance to challenge, and the process, taking 80 days in the Legislative Assembly, precedes judicial elections within 180 days.
• Once approved by a two-thirds vote, the preselected list goes to the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE), which will now provide official results and names of new judges within 15 days, down from 30. 

Read More At :  https://www.prensa-latina.cu/2024/02/05/diputados-buscan-aprobar-ley-sobre-elecciones-judiciales-en-bolivia

Ecuador’s Armed Conflict

• In response to organized crime, Ecuador reports 1,889 firearms seized and 43 tons of drugs confiscated. Security forces arrested 237 individuals, with 13 attacks on public and police infrastructure during the declared internal armed conflict
• Amid the conflict, 237 arrests were made for alleged terrorism, and the administration classified 'Los Choneros' gang leader as a terrorist. 
• The conflict, triggered by organized crime actions, prompted a swift government response, leading to arrests, seizures of arms and drugs, and efforts to address security threats.

Read More At : https://www.prensa-latina.cu/2024/02/05/casi-seis-mil-detenidos-en-ecuador-en-27-dias-de-conflicto-armado

Milei begins his first international tour as Argentine president

• President Milei will travel accompanied by the Secretary General of the Presidency, Karina Milei, the Minister of the Interior, Guillermo Francos, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs Diana Mondino.
• Milei and the members of his cabinet will arrive in Israel tomorrow, where they will stay for four days.

https://www.prensa-latina.cu/2024/02/05/milei-inicia-primera-gira-internacional-como-presidente-argentino

Great national day begins in Venezuela for electoral proposal

• A great national day will begin today in Caracas with the participation of the different factors of Venezuelan society to elaborate a proposal for an election calendar, which will be presented to the National Electoral Council. 
• The call was unanimously approved last week in the National Assembly (Parliament) after the threats and ultimatum of the United States Government to the Bolivarian Republic, after the ratification of the disqualification by the Venezuelan justice of the opposition María Corina Machado.

https://www.prensa-latina.cu/2024/02/05/gran-jornada-nacional-inicia-en-venezuela-para-propuesta-electoral

Cuba remembers civil-military rebellion in Venezuela

• The Prime Minister of Cuba, Manuel Marrero, today recalled the civil-military rebellion in Venezuela, led by Bolivarian leader Hugo Chávez 32 years ago.
• According to Chávez (1954-2013), “that memorable day divided Venezuelan historical time in two and pointed out the path of the Bolivarian Revolution, of the Socialist Revolution.”

https://www.prensa-latina.cu/2024/02/04/cuba-recuerda-rebelion-civico-militar-en-venezuela

They support the president of Colombia after allegations of a coup d'état

•  The president of Colombia, Gustavo Petro, today added demonstrations of support after his denunciations of an attempted coup d'état masterminded by the nation's attorney general, Francisco Barbosa.
• The political unions like The Historical Pact bench demanded that the outgoing prosecutor Francisco Barbosa, Martha Mancera (deputy prosecutor) and the attorney Margarita Cabello stop attacking the government with political bias.

https://www.prensa-latina.cu/2024/02/04/apoyan-a-presidente-de-colombia-tras-denuncias-de-golpe-de-estado 

Brazil is confirmed as the main destination for Uruguayan exports

• Brazil is today confirmed as the main destination for Uruguayan exports, according to the foreign trade report of the Uruguay XXI government agency.
• Sales to the South American giant grew 26 percent in the year-on-year comparison according to last January's placements.
• Uruguay XXI reported that Brazilian requests represented 22 percent of this country's total exports in the first month of the year, for a value of 173 million dollars.

https://www.prensa-latina.cu/2024/02/04/brasil-se-ratifica-como-principal-destino-de-exportaciones-uruguayas 

Nicolás Maduro announced movements in his Executive Cabinet 

• The president of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, announced today changes in his Executive Cabinet with the appointment of new ministers in several of his portfolios.
• He appointed Dheliz Álvarez as head of the Ministry for Women and Gender Equality, replacing Diva Guzmán, whom he thanked “for her tireless commitment and willingness to work. Maduro pointed out that Álvarez, with her experience, will re-boost and prioritize women's entrepreneurship and other important projects of social inclusion and empowerment.
• The head of state also reported that Luis Antonio Villegas Ramírez will now take over as head of National Commerce.
• The president also announced that Guy Vernaez will occupy the position of new minister for Communes. 

https://www.prensa-latina.cu/2024/02/03/nicolas-maduro-anuncio-movimientos-en-su-gabinete-ejecutivo 

Very high risk of fires, firefighters warn in Uruguay

•  The National Fire Department (DNB) warned today about the very high risk of fires in Uruguay, under the effects of a severe heat wave.
• The publication shows a map where almost the entire Uruguayan territory is covered in red, indicative of the very high risk of fires.
• Much of the Uruguayan territory is under the effects of a heat wave, the most extensive in the last 50 years, according to meteorologist José Serra. 

https://www.prensa-latina.cu/2024/02/03/riesgo-muy-alto-de-incendios-alertan-bomberos-en-uruguay 

​​Top airport authority resigns due to crisis in Peru

• The president of the Peruvian Corporation of Airports and Commercial Aviation (Corpac), Roberto De la Tore Aguayo, resigned today after the chaos caused by postponements of flights from the Jorge Chávez terminal in this capital.
• The aerodrome that serves Lima and the neighboring port of Callao experienced a crisis since last Thursday night and yesterday when the intervals of landing and takeoff operations were increased, at the request of the Controllers Union, which argued the overload of work due to insufficient of personal.

 

https://www.prensa-latina.cu/2024/02/03/maxima-autoridad-de-aeropuertos-renuncia-por-crisis-en-peru 

Bolivia's population census progresses as planned.

•  In the week that concludes, Humberto Arandia, director of the National Institute of Statistics (INE) of Bolivia, assured that the Population and Housing Census of March 23, more than 600 thousand volunteer census takers are registered .
• “We are exactly 50 days away from the census process and we are fully satisfied to say that the census technical schedule has been strictly complied with all the international quality parameters,” said the authority regarding what was done with a view to the scheduled national survey. for the third month of the current year.

 

https://www.prensa-latina.cu/2024/02/03/censo-poblacional-de-bolivia-avanza-segun-lo-previsto 

Ecuadorian government with late payments of 419 million dollars.

• The government of Ecuador today maintains arrears in payments to state suppliers, local administrations, social security entities and public employees for approximately 419 million dollars.
• The State portfolio explained that the State has expenses higher than its income by more than five thousand 500 million, "an amount that must be covered, mainly, with external financing" and to keep sources of international credit open "it is essential to be up to date." in payments.”
• In the midst of the fiscal deficit that this South American nation is experiencing, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, Juan Carlos Vega, reported on the payment of external debt bonds that were restructured in 2020. 

https://www.prensa-latina.cu/2024/02/03/gobierno-ecuatoriano-con-pagos-atrasados-de-419-millones-de-dolares 

Contradictions due to possible VAT increase mark week in Ecuador.

• The proposal by the president of Ecuador, Daniel Noboa, to increase the Value Added Tax (VAT) generated various contradictions during this week that ends today in the Andean country.
• The possible increase in VAT, from 12 to 15 percent, and its real need in the midst of the fiscal crisis that this South American nation is going through sparked a debate among citizens, experts and legislators since in previous law proposals the Noboa administration promoted tax exemptions for large companies.

https://www.prensa-latina.cu/2024/02/03/contradicciones-por-posible-alza-de-iva-marcan-semana-en-ecuador 

Court of Ecuador will define possible decriminalization of euthanasia

• The Constitutional Court of Ecuador notified today that it will discuss the case of citizen Paola Roldán, who requests the decriminalization of euthanasia to achieve a dignified death.
• On August 8, 2023, the Ecuadorian presented an "unconstitutionality action" against article 144 of the Penal Code, which sentences the "person who kills another" with sentences of 10 to 13 years in prison.

https://www.prensa-latina.cu/2024/02/02/corte-de-ecuador-definira-posible-despenalizacion-de-la-eutanasia 

Canada's Intelligence agency report flags India as ‘foreign threat’, urges ‘need to protect…’

• The Canadian intelligence agency report mentions “India engages in Foreign Interference activities." According to a report by Global News, that accessed the declassified documents, almost three pages of the report were devoted to India, although they were entirely redacted except for a single sentence that claimed India engages in Foreign Interference activities.
• The Canadian Intelligence report points to the need for “clearly articulated strategies," and said raising awareness and briefing officials and politicians was “central to these efforts." The declassified document, dated 24 February 2023, is titled, “Briefing to the Minister of Democratic Institutions on Foreign Interference." 

Canada's Intelligence agency report flags India as ‘foreign threat’, urges ‘need to protect…’ | Mint (livemint.com)

Mexico City residents protest 'unprecedented' water shortages

• 
  
  Frustrated Mexico City residents have been protesting weeks of water shortages, with officials warning of "unprecedented" low levels in a main system that supplies millions of people. 
• The bustling metro area of 21 million people - one of Latin America's largest cities - is struggling after years of low rainfall blamed on climate change, as well as chaotic urban growth and outdated infrastructure. 
• The Mexican capital, situated in a high-altitude valley and built on a former lake-bed, has struggled to supply its residents for years. 
• It relies mostly on water pumped from its underground aquifer and reservoirs outside the city to meet demand. Officials from Mexico City's water utility SACMEX have said the Cutzamala System, is the most stressed it has ever been. They have asked residents to change habits in order to conserve as much water as possible.

Mexico City residents protest 'unprecedented' water shortages | Reuters

U.S. Attacks in Middle East Meets Security Council

• The UN Security Council is set to resume today (Feb 5^th) at 4:00 p.m., local time, with the theme Threats to international peace and security in the midst of the escalating escalation in the region, in a session convened by Russia. 
• This follows the United States attacks on Iraq and Syria. Russia's deputy envoy to the United Nations, Dmitry Polyanskiy, on Saturday confirmed his country's request for the meeting. 
• The U.S. military confirmed that among the targets hit were command posts, intelligence centers, as well as missile and drone storage facilities. 
• Iraq’s government, for its part, denounced at least 16 dead and 25 wounded after the U.S. bombings while dismissing Washington's statement about notifying Iraqi authorities of the attacks.

U.S. Attacks in the Middle East Meets Security Council - Prensa Latina (prensa-latina.cu)

Guterres mourns death of Namibian President Gottfried Geingob

• A statement released by his spokesperson highlighted the president's dedication to serving and developing his country, as well as his activism against apartheid. 
• The UN chief sent condolences to his family and to the people and government of Namibia. 
• Geingob died early Sunday morning at the age of 82 at Lady Pohamba Hospital in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, where he was receiving medical treatment.

Guterres mourns death of Namibian President Gottfried Geingob - Prensa Latina (prensa-latina.cu) 

Honduran President Saluted Bukele After Virtual Electoral Victory 

• The president of Honduras, Xiomara Castro, congratulated her Salvadoran counterpart, Nayib Bukele, after his virtual triumph in the elections held this Sunday, whose final results should be known today. 
• Through a message on the social network X, the Honduran head of state said that Bukele's firm commitment to the security of the Salvadoran people spoke forcefully at the polls. 
• “With the greatest respect and consideration, I wish you success in your new term," the Central American leader wrote on her official profile. 
• Press reports published that the Interdisciplinary Development Consultancy S.A. (CID-Gallup) indicated that the president's victory was with 87 percent of the votes.

Honduran President Greeted Bukele After Virtual Electoral Victory - Prensa Latina (prensa-latina.cu) 

Anti-Government Demonstrations Return in Haiti 

• Former senator Jean Charles Moïse of the opposition party Committed to Development will lead a mobilization for three consecutive days in Haiti, where more political actors are calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry. 
• The group called on people to participate in the protests, which will begin with a demonstration in front of the prime minister's office in Port-au-Prince. 
• The aim of the referendum is to force Henry to resign by February 7, as the party accused the government of showing notorious indifference and inaction in the face of atrocities committed by armed bandits against peaceful citizens. 

Anti-government demonstrations return in Haiti - Prensa Latina (prensa-latina.cu)

 

More details will be offered in Costa Rica on municipal elections

• After an intense day to elect 6,212 municipal representatives, when preliminary results were offered, Costa Ricans are waiting today for the most accurate information from authorities about the winners. 
• On Sunday, 3,570,807 Costa Ricans were called to the polls to select local leaders, including mayors, councillors and, trustees. 
• Suffrage was extended to the 84 cantons, in which 6,469 electoral boards were opened throughout the national territory. 
• Other novelties of these elections were the impossibility of re-election indefinitely and the fact that external voting was not enabled.

More details will be offered in Costa Rica on municipal elections - Prensa Latina (prensa-latina.cu)

New trial in Guatemala against former president of elPeriódico 

• A new trial against the founder and former president of elPeriódico José Rubén Zamora will begin today in Guatemala, after the order at the beginning of last November by an Appeals Chamber to repeat it. 
• That court accepted the appeal of the Attorney General's Office against the June 14, 2023 ruling, which sentenced the renowned reporter to six years in prison and the payment of a fine of 300 thousand quetzales (just over 38 thousand dollars). 
• The ruling also established that former assistant anti-corruption prosecutor Samari Gómez, who had been acquitted, should face a new debate. 

New trial in Guatemala against former president of elPeriódico - Prensa Latina (prensa-latina.cu) 

President of Congress for regaining the trust of Guatemalans 

• The president of the Guatemalan Congress, Nery Ramos, today has among his priorities the recovery of the population's confidence in that body based on the decisions it adopts, saying that the conduct and commitment of the deputies to each of their districts will allow them to go down that path, which is necessary for the institution. 
• The president of the Guatemalan Congress invited the people to get more involved in parliamentary activities and recalled the permanent channel of information that exists and that all plenary sessions are transmitted online.

President of Congress to regain the confidence of Guatemalans - Prensa Latina (prensa-latina.cu) 

China expresses sorrow for victims of fires in Chile 

• China today expressed its condolences to Chile for the victims and material losses due to the serious fires affecting the central region of that South American country. “We are confident that under the firm leadership of the Chilean government, the Chilean people will be able to overcome the difficulties and rebuild their homeland," Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said. According to official figures, the fires have left at least 112 dead and hundreds missing.

China expresses its sorrow for victims of fires in Chile - Prensa Latina (prensa-latina.cu)

News bits compiled by:

Nadia Rawat (M.A. I.R., 2nd Year)

Drafted by:

Nadia Rawat (M.A. I.R., 2nd Year)

Varsha Das (B.A. I.R. 2nd Year)

Gungun Thakur (B.A. I.R. 1st Year)

Published by:

Alithia Clemency Paul (M.A. I.R., 2nd Year)