Brazilian President winds up official working visit to Ethiopia
- Lula met with counterparts from Egypt, Nigeria, Kenya and Libya, as well as the Ethiopian Prime Minister.
- In these meetings, the South American leader talked about the economy and the fight against hunger and poverty.
- At a press conference before leaving Addis Ababa, he stressed the importance of closer cooperation between the countries of the global South for the future of the world economy, in addition to expanding trade flows between Brazil and developing countries.
Argentina: Poverty index surged 57.4 percent in last two months
- Argentina´s Social Debt Observatory Director Agustín Salvia on Sunday stated the country´s poverty index went up to 57.4% during the last two-month period and it will continue surging whether domestic inflation and the economic crisis go on.
- According to Agustín Salvia, around 27 million people are facing up such a situation and it is possible that more complex periods may come.
Brazil´s PF show evidence Bolsonaro´s involvement in coup attempt
- Releasing that former President Jair Bolsonaro had transferred USD,000 before traveling to the United States in 2022, in anticipation of the coup attempt, has come to light in Brazil this week.
- An investigation conducted by the Federal Police (PF) showed those questioned “expected there was still a possibility of a coup” and they were aware of the illegal acts committed.
Brazil will share everything it has with Africa, Lula affirms
- “Count on Brazil”, Lula da Silva said as a guest at the opening ceremony of the 37th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) under the theme “Educating for the 21st Century: Building Resilient Education Systems, to Increase Access to Inclusive, Quality and Relevant Learning in Africa”.
Noboa Gov’t passes investment plan of 1.6bn dollars
- Ecuador’s Government passed on Friday a USD.6B investment plan allocated on four axes: social, economic development, institutional, infrastructure, energy and environment.
- The National Planning Council, led by President Daniel Noboa, met in the city of Guayaquil and approved such a strategy, named Development Plan for the New Ecuador 2024-2025.
https://www.plenglish.com/news/2024/02/16/noboa-govt-passes-investment-plan-of-1-6bn-dollars/
SADR’s ambassador in Bolivia highlights visit of president to Ireland
- The ambassador of the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) in Bolivia, Ahmed Salem Mohamed Ahmed, described as important the visit of the president of his country, Brahim Ghali, to Ireland.
- During the interview granted to Prensa Latina, he stressed that the president, who is also secretary general of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Saguia el Hamra and Rio de Oro (Polisario), was received at the Presidential Palace by his Irish counterpart, Dr. Michael Daniel Higgins.
Ecuador announces that Russia lifted veto on banana exporters
- The Foreign Ministry announced that the Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Control of Russia lifted restrictions on five Ecuadorian banana exporters.
- On February 2, Russia stopped the purchase of Ecuadorian bananas from five companies on the grounds of the systematic detection of the so-called humpback fly in the fruit, a pest considered dangerous.
Uruguayan government signs statement on Venezuela
- Uruguay and the region's other governments signed a statement that interferes with Venezuela's internal affairs, which reminds the Lima Group's actions against the Bolivarian country.
https://www.plenglish.com/news/2024/02/16/uruguayan-government-signs-statement-on-venezuela/
ECLAC launches Observatory to support digital development processes
- The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) virtually launched the Digital Development Observatory (ODD) in Chile on Thursday to measure the progress of countries in the use of modern technologies.
- According to ECLAC Executive Secretary José Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs, the aim is to collect information on the region to understand the phenomenon that changes how we live, work, and relate to each other.
Colombia’s Finance Minister forecasts GDP growth by 2024
- Finance Minister Ricardo Bonilla reaffirmed on Thursday that Colombia's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) could grow 1.5% by 2024.
- In this regard, Bonilla made a new call to the Bank of the Republic for a rate cut.
- Bonilla explained that last year the nation closed with 0.6 % growth, a figure far from everyone’s expectations.
- “However, recession is receding since the fourth quarter of 2023 closed with a growth of 0.3%, which means that the economy’s reactivation began and should be reflected by 2024,” he underscored.
https://www.plenglish.com/news/2024/02/15/colombias-finance-minister-forecasts-gdp-growth-by-2024/
Former economy minister says there is social deterioration in Uruguay
- Uruguay has gone backward in social matters, former Economy Minister Alvaro García said in this capital on Thursday.
- García, who is also the former director of the Planning and Budget Office, pointed out that if the Broad Front (Frente Amplio-FA) wins the upcoming elections, it should adopt “emergency measures” to face food insecurity and child poverty.
Resistance Train will denounce measures of the Argentine Government
- The Resistance Train will depart today from the Merlo station to Marcos Paz, in the Argentine province of Buenos Aires, in protest against the measures of the Government of Javier Milei.
- Participants will denounce the increase in the costs of this means of transportation, as well as the lack of support for the sector.They increased the price of the ticket and cut diesel train services by between 40 and 80 percent. Services were affected, works were paralyzed, there is a lack of maintenance and ticket office closures, which affects both staff and citizens, said the leader of the SI, Rubén Sobrero.
Ecuador’s Legislature to analyze reforms to the penal code
- The National Assembly of Ecuador will analyze a bill that seeks to modify the Comprehensive Organic Penal Code (COIP). Among other changes, it includes the possible increase of penalties for 24 crimes.
- The report has generated conflicting opinions, as it proposes the classification of two new crimes: the spread of infectious diseases and femicide.
- The bill points out the need to strengthen penalties for crimes that have increased in recent years, including, hiring and acting as hitmen, kidnapping, kidnapping for ransom, sexual extortion, drug trafficking, and violations against flora and fauna.
https://www.plenglish.com/news/2024/02/15/ecuadors-legislature-to-analyze-reforms-to-the-penal-code/
International court rules multi-million fine against Uruguay
- Uruguay lost an international trial and must pay 80 million dollars for the closure of the Pluna airline.
- The International Center for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) issued a negative ruling against the Uruguayan State for the closure of the flag airline Pluna in 2012 due to economic insolvency.
Argentine Network denounces seizure of Venezuelan aircraft
- The Argentine Chapter of the Network of Intellectuals and Artists in Defense of Humanity expressed on Tuesday solidarity with Venezuela and condemnation of the seizure by the United States of the Boeing 747 300 cargo plane belonging to Venezuelan company Emtrasur.
- The plane landed in Argentina on June 6, last year, with a crew of 19 people, including 14 Venezuelans and five Iranians, and carried cargo for auto parts companies.
Cuba urges at UNSC for more transparency and democracy
Peñalver, who also serves as permanent ambassador to the United Nations, recalled Cuba’s historical position for a new UNSC, even though he supported an open and constructive dialogue for a solution with the broadest political acceptance.
He highly recommended the adoption of rules of procedure for global security, which to date remains provisional.
Peñalver considered the absence of permanent members from Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean in the agency as unfair.
Expanding new permanent members should include at least two countries from Africa, two from Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as two developing countries from Asia, so that they can be part of the relevant decisions taken by UNSC, he added.
The Cuban diplomat recognized the pressing need to reach an agreement upon expanding the number of permanent and non-permanent seats.
https://www.plenglish.com/news/2024/02/16/cuba-urges-at-unsc-for-more-transparency-and-democracy/
Venezuelan FM rejected Canadian Government’s statements
In a post on his X account, the top diplomat pointed out that ‘trapped in its superiority complex, believing itself to be an empire and from its moral misery’, the Canadian Executive insists on attacking Venezuela.
He affirmed that incapable of condemning the real violations of Human Rights in the world, such as the genocide in Gaza, and with a shameful record in its own territory, ‘shows how despicable and lying it can be to play into the hands of terrorists and destabilizers’.
The Venezuelan Public Prosecutor’s Office informed yesterday in a press release that San Miguel and five other citizens, after preliminary investigations, are allegedly involved in the conspiratorial plot known as the White Bracelet.
Attorney General Tarek William Saab informed that Alejandro José Gonzales De Canales Plaza was requested to be remanded in custody for the alleged commission of crimes associated to the disclosure of political and military secrets, related to the security of the nation, obstruction to the administration of justice and association.
https://www.plenglish.com/news/2024/02/14/venezuelan-fm-rejected-canadian-governments-statements/
Joe Biden could lose his reelection if he stops no genocide in Gaza
Halting the bleeding loss of Palestinian lives and ceasing to supply Israel with arms are also critical conditions for a change of position for voters, according to Democracy.
Present situation in Gaza could lead to Joe Biden losing his reelection, the article stated, in which it underlined that Israeli bombings have caused more than 28,000 deaths in Gaza since October 7, including 11,500 children.
Many Arab-American communities members, who have always voted Democratic, now say they cannot support President Biden in the Feb. 27 primary, the authors added.
Argentine Nobel Prize winner called for the release of Julian Assange
The Nobel Peace Prize winner and Argentine fighter, Adolfo Pérez Esquivel, today urged the international community to demand the release of cyberactivist Julian Assange and to speak out against his possible extradition to USA.
In mid-2022, the British government announced its decision to allow his extradition to the United States, which intends to try him for exposing war crimes committed by US military in Iraq and Afghanistan, and thousands of secret diplomatic files.
If prosecuted and found guilty by a court in that nation, he could be sentenced to 175 years in prison based on 17 charges related to the espionage law against him.
Caribbean Community stands next to Cuba
Noting that Cuba and the members of CARICOM developed a very friendly, respectful and productive relationship for years, he called on Washington to lift the economic, financial and commercial blockade that it has imposed on Cuba for more than six decades.
He noted that CARICOM continues to communicate with Washington “to tell them… look, this blockade is counterproductive, not only for Cuba, but for all of us. Please, lift it!”
During his stay in Cuba, he visited the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), which he described as one of the pioneer institutions in the development of certain cutting-edge medications, such as Heberprot-P to treat diabetic foot ulcers, a situation that affects many Barbadians.
https://www.plenglish.com/news/2024/02/10/caribbean-community-stands-next-to-cuba/
UN visits humanitarian de-mining organization in Colombia
The UN Security Council alongside Carlos Ruiz Massieu, representative in Colombia of the United Nations Secretary General visited on Friday the Humanicemos movement, in Agua Bonita, department of Caqueta.
Such movement is an entity, unique in the world, for Comprehensive Action Against Antipersonal Mines created within the framework of the 2016 Peace Agreement between the Government and the extinct Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia-People’s Army (FARC-EP), made up of peace signatories.
In Agua Bonita, they further spoke with the signatories, communities and institutions to be posted on the productive and social initiatives they are pursuing. The plenary of the United Nations Security Council arrived in Colombia on Wednesday for a visit that will last until next Sunday.
https://www.plenglish.com/news/2024/02/09/un-visits-humanitarian-demining-organization-in-colombia/
El Salvador reports 76 percent deficit in rainfalls in January
The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MARN) of El Salvador recorded a 76-percent decrease in rainfalls than the annual average, according to a report.
The ninth climatological report from that institution specified that it rained 0.6 millimeters in January 2024 and the average is around 2.5 millimeters, a consequence of the weather phenomenon known as El Niño, which is fully affecting the country, experts noted.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of the United States, was quoted by MARN as saying that the current season will have a strong El Niño, which will weaken as of April to begin a neutral phase, but it will not be until June 2024 when La Niña is expected to begin.
El Salvador, Cuba take step to progress in bilateral relations
As with tourism, we are planning meetings with Salvadoran and Cuban institutions, we have made progress in relations between universities in both countries, but travel sector is pivotal for materializing new links, Lorenzo stressed.
During the virtual meeting, the Commercial Director at Cuba´s Tourism Ministry (MINTUR) Gihana Galindo, alongside officials and other travel agencies including Cubatur and Havanatur, presented Cuba’s offer and answered questions from the Salvadoran counterpart.
Alba Sanchez, Head of Economic Diplomacy of the Salvadoran Foreign Ministry, said that her country seeks a more active involvement this year in tourism fairs in Cuba and other events. “For us, relations with Cuba are all-important. I think we all have a special appreciation for Cuba,” she said.
Costa Rica at coordinators’ meeting in preparation for CELAC Summit
In Mexico City, the Costa Rican delegation participated in the 50th meeting of coordinators, which also negotiates the texts of the declarations to be signed by the leaders at the Summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC).
For the meeting in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Costa Rica also suggested addressing issues such as climate change, disaster mitigation and transnational organized crime.
A statement from the Foreign Ministry said that the delegation emphasized the need to ensure and strengthen democratic processes in the region, highlighting the major challenges currently faced and their impact on the future development of Latin America and the Caribbean.
Venezuela to host Caribbean Regional Seminar in May
Caracas will host the Caribbean Regional Seminar, which will address noteworthy issues of the new multipolar world, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil announced on Thursday.
The event, scheduled from May 14 to 16, will be take place in this capital by unanimous decision of the United Nations Special Committee on Decolonization, and will bring together international delegations to debate issues such as “the decolonial struggle and the self-determination of the peoples,” the head of Venezuelan diplomacy posted on his X account.
The diplomat stressed that the meeting is a major pivotal step to pay a pending debt in the international community: the liberation of all peoples.
https://www.plenglish.com/news/2024/02/16/venezuela-to-host-caribbean-regional-seminar-in-may/
Panamanian reports exodus of students from private to public sector
According to a recent Meduca study, at least 33,000 students have migrated from private to state schools in the last three years (2020, 2021 and 2022).
The institution and different associations of parents also estimate that the figure might increase to 40,000 students when the results of the 2023 school year are released, which could range between 8,000 students, as a consequence of rampant unemployment.
Reports from Panama's Ministry of Education (Meduca) confirm the growing exodus of students from private schools to the public sector, mainly due to economic factors.
Water contamination with hydrocarbons investigated in Costa Rica
- The Judicial Investigation Organism of Costa Rica (OIJ) confirmed the existence of an investigation that reviews the water contamination that affected several sectors of this capital in the last weeks, official sources indicate.
- The investigations will have to determine if there is an intentional element at the time of contaminating the water or if it was a completely random situation.
- Although the use of xylene, the contaminant product, has been mentioned in multiple industries, including drugs, Zúñiga considered that it would be too early to say anything about it, we would not have elements to affirm such a situation.
- He would prefer that the investigation continues to see if there is any correlation with any other criminal activity, he said.
President of Guatemala to travel to Europe on his first tour
- The president of Guatemala, Bernardo Arévalo, will travel to Europe on his first tour as ruler, with high-level meetings planned in Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, France and Spain.
- The agenda was announced by the president himself and will begin on Friday afternoon in the city of Munich, capital of Bavaria, Germany, where he will speak on corruption issues at the Security Conference.
- In this context, he will hold meetings with other heads of state.
- After that, he will travel to Brussels, where he will sign a memorandum of understanding for the establishment of a bilateral consultation mechanism with the European Union.
74th meeting of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States
- Leaders from the region participate today in the 74th meeting of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States based in Saint Kitts and Nevis, to continue promoting the socioeconomic and political interests of the area.
- During the high-level meeting that will meet for two days, the discussion of collective priority areas among the representatives of the member states of the intergovernmental organization is expected. I
- n a statement, the Prime Minister of the British Virgin Islands, Natalio Wheatley, reported that he will hold talks with his peers, and said he is open to dialogue with “regional partners as we strive together towards a sustainable future.
Cuba present in Baní, the land of Dominican Máximo Gómez
- Three thousand 180 students have graduated from the Máximo Gómez Polytechnic since its foundation on this day, 24 years ago, in Baní, capital of the Dominican province of Peravia, fruit of the Cuban solidarity gesture.
- The 473 students who make up the polytechnic’s enrollment, along with their teachers and directors, celebrated the anniversary this Wednesday in the presence of the Cuban ambassador to this country, Ángel Arzuaga, and representatives of the Cuban state mission.
https://www.plenglish.com/news/2024/02/14/cuba-present-in-bani-the-land-of-dominican-maximo-gomez/
Claudia Sheinbaum to register as Mexico’s presidential candidate
- Claudia Sheinbaum announced that she will register at the National Electoral Institute on February 18 as a presidential candidate of the Republic for the MORENA, Labor, and Green Ecologist parties.
- In a video message spread on social media this Wednesday, Sheinbaum also reiterates that during the launch of her presidential campaign in Mexico City’s Zócalo square on March 1, she will present the main points of her project of nation.
- The presidential candidate recalls in the video that she is making an extensive appeal to the Mexican people to accompany her in this democracy celebration. We will have the Zócalo square full of people. We will present the main points of our project, so do not miss it.
Mexico’s Health chief defends constitutional reform in the sector
- Mexico's Health Secretary, Jorge Alcocer, on Tuesday defended the reform in the sector presented by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador in his package of 20 constitutional changes already in the hands of Congress.
- Speaking at the presidential press conference dedicated on Tuesdays to this issue, the official said that the reform aims to bring the State’s obligation to constitutional level to provide care to all, in addition to banning the production, sale and consumption of harmful substances such as vapes and synthetic drugs, in particular fentanyl, it was reported at Tuesday’s presidential briefing.
Putin describes Russia-El Salvador ties as successful
- In a congratulatory message published on the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Telegram channel, Vladimir Putin expressed hope that “Bukele’s activity will contribute to expanding cooperation between the two countries in several spheres.”
- The Russian president also wished Bukele success as the nation’s president, good health, and well-being.
- The presidential elections were held in El Salvador on February 4. Bukele won with an overwhelming number of votes, never achieved before by any other president”
https://www.plenglish.com/news/2024/02/13/putin-describes-russia-el-salvador-ties-as-successful/
Guyana promotes open debate on climate change and food security at UN
- The high-level debate of the UN Security Council convened by Guyana, which holds the body's presidency this month, will be focused on the impact of climate change and food security.
- The meeting will be chaired by the Secretary General of the UN, António Guterres, and the president of Guyana, Irfaan Ali, as announced at a press conference by the ambassador of the country to the United Nations, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, who assured that Guyana will promote greater transparency, efficiency, effectiveness and inclusion at work.
Global meeting on illicit tobacco trade opens in Panama
- The third follow-up conference of the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products (MOP3) begins sessions in Panama with the participation of delegations from nearly 70 countries.
- This protocol, in force since September 25, 2018, is part of the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and seeks to put an end to the illegal manufacture and smuggling of these products.
- According to the agenda, the opening session will feature a welcome greeting from the WHO director-general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus; while Dr. Adriana Blanco, from the Secretariat of the Convention schedule, will present the topics on the agenda such as the implementation of this tool in various regions and investment funds, among others.
https://www.plenglish.com/news/2024/02/12/global-meeting-on-illicit-tobacco-trade-opens-in-panama/
InterCaribbean Airways launches flights from Barbados to Jamaica
- Air connectivity between Jamaica and Barbados has strengthened with the launch of direct flights by InterCaribbean Airways.
- This additional route is a “wonderful spirit of partnership” that will facilitate connectivity with the region, Barbadian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kerrie Symmonds said in statements quoted by the Caribbean Media Corporation.
- Symmonds and officials from the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) attended the traditional watercannon ceremony that welcomed the maiden flight at the Grantley Adams International Airport, and thanked Lyndon Gardiner, the founder and chairman of InterCaribbean Airways.
Costa Rica’s main challenges in education assessed
- Costa Rica's education faces several challenges, one of which is the loss of learning, according to analyses at the beginning of the 2024 school year throughout the national territory.
- The decrease in the level of learning is one of the challenges underlined, since there is an urgent need for recovery and academic levelling programs, especially in reading and writing, after the impact of the educational blackout. The State of Education Report noted that a macro-evaluation is needed.
https://www.plenglish.com/news/2024/02/10/costa-ricas-main-challenges-in-education-assessed/
Guatemala in crisis due to Mexico’s closure of shrimp imports
- The Guatemalan shrimp industry is currently coping with a severe crisis, for which the authorities in charge are figuring out a solution to Mexico's border closure for the product’s entry.
- “We are looking for ways out of such situation that is breaking and altering trade deals implemented for years in full respect, backed by a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), the CEO of the Guatemalan Exporters Association (AGEXPORT)” Gabriel Biguria stated.
- Mexico’s General Legal Directorate of Customs issued on January 22 a temporary border closure order under the argument of crustacean smuggling from Ecuador.
