Colombia... will celebrate Theatre
Day with 150 free performances
March 25th, 1:27pm
(Prensa Latina)
Colombia will celebrate World Theatre Day, which will be
celebrated on March 27, with 150 free performing arts
performances in the country, as reported here today
by the Ministry of Cultures, Arts and Knowledge.
According to the portfolio, the initiative is part of the National
Circulation System and its Living Circuits Platform, which
seeks to promote the right to cultural circulation under
equitable conditions ...for all actors in the sector.
The presentations will be held in squares, parks, libraries,
community halls and sidewalks of the Coffee Region, the
Pacific, the Central East, the Caribbean, the Llanos and
the South Centre of the Amazon, with a presence in
departments such as Antioquia, Nariño,
Atlántico, Boyacá, Meta, Norte de
Santander, Caldas, Valle del
Cauca and Amazonas.
According to the coordinator of the Theatre Group of the
Ministry's Arts Directorate, Fabio Pedraza, groups and
artists were selected for that day to delight the
inhabitants of isolated rural places such as
Barrancominas, Guainia; Argentina,
Huila, or Urumita, La Guajira.
During this year's activities there will be recognition of
women as fundamental agents of the Colombian
theatre sector, with the holding of the Women
and Theatre meeting, the source explained.
______________________________________
Colombia: Arrest warrants issued
for murder of Senator Uribe
March 25th, 1:26pm
(Prensa Latina)
The Attorney General's Office of Colombia requested and
obtained seven arrest warrants against members of the
general staff of the armed group Segunda Marquetalia
for the assassination of the senator and presidential
candidate... Miguel Uribe Turbay.
The arrest warrants are directed against Kendry Téllez -- as a
possible determiner; and by line of command to Iván Marín or
alias Iván Márquez; Géner García, alias Jhon 40; Alberto Cruz,
alias Enrique Marulanda; Jhon Bedoya, alias Rusbel;
Diógenes Medina, alias Gonzalo; and José Sierra,
alias Zarco Aldinever, pointed out the entity.
The agency indicated that these people are charged with the
crimes of aggravated homicide, aggravated conspiracy to
commit a crime; & the manufacture, trafficking, carrying
or possession of firearms, accessories, parts....
or ammunition.
“This was not an isolated act, but the result of a structured
criminal operation that involved both a contracted urban
criminal network --- and that operated as outsourcing
(contracting company) -- and a Residual Organized
Armed Group: the ‘Second Marquetalia’”, stated
the attorney general, Luz Adriana Camargo.
According to the source -- the investigative work established
that Kendry Téllez would be the articulator and responsible
for the planning, coordination and financing of the
homicide.... and would have been in charge of
contacting Simeón Pérez, alias El Viejo, at
the beginning of 2025, to carry out the
assassination of the politician.
“In accordance with the criteria studied and the number of
inferences and premises that support it - as well as the
victimological profiling report carried out, the murder
of Dr. Uribe was motivated by political-instrumental
reasons.. linked to the exercise of his functions
as senator and presidential candidate”,
Camargó added.
The prosecutor stated that the homicide meets
the criteria, to be defined as an assassination.
Uribe, 39, was shot in the head and leg in June last year
in a town west of this capital ....while giving a speech.
Despite numerous surgical interventions, he died two
months later, due to the injuries that the murderer,
a 15-year-old minor, caused him.
________________________________
Mexico reaffirms support for
Bachelet's candidacy
for the UN
March 25th, 11:47am
(Prensa Latina)
The president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, today ratified
her support for Michelle Bachelet's candidacy for the UN
Secretary General after the withdrawal of that support
by the Chilean government.
“We are going to continue supporting her. I have a call with her
soon. Can do. You don't necessarily have to support a person
from the country. It can be done - and the arguments for
which we support it - remain valid”, she asserted.
During her usual press conference from the National Palace,
the head of the Executive characterized the former
president of Chile ...as a woman with a lot of
experience --- and who seeks peace
in the world.
“Has an idea of building rights, and a peaceful solution to
all conflicts and of rebuilding the United Nations as an
international conflict resolution body and a Charter
of Rights for all people in the world, among other
attributes”, she listed.
Sheinbaum considered Bachelet “an ideal
person to lead the United Nations (UN)”.
“Let's see if Brazil also continues with this support,
because we were --- Chile, Brazil and Mexico”,
she noted.
She said that she discussed the issue of support with Foreign
Minister Juan Ramón de la Fuente and with the Secretary
of the Environment, Alicia Bárcena.. who “has a lot of
knowledge of the United Nations and the foreign
service ....and she completely agrees too”.
The day before..... the administration of President José Antonio
Kast announced the withdrawal of support for Bachelet under
the argument that the dispersion of candidates from Latin
American countries and the differences with some of
the relevant actors that define this process,
''made it unviable''.
This decision was adopted after the Independent Democratic
Union, a right-wing party that is part of the Government,
expressed ''its'' rejection of the initiative to support
the former president.
Bachelet, a pediatrician by profession, and member of the
Socialist Party, was the first and only woman to hold the
presidency of Chile, a position in which she served for
two periods (2006-2010 and 2014-2018).
In 2010, then-UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon appointed her
as the first executive director of the UN Women's agency, an
entity called to fight for the rights of women in the world.
Through a statement, Bachelet expressed
her willingness to maintain her candidacy.
_________________________________
Hungary suspends gas
supplies.. to Ukraine
March 25th, 10:57am
(Prensa Latina)
The government of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, has
suspended natural gas supplies to Ukraine today --- until Kiev
resumes the flow of Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline.
As long as Ukraine does not supply oil, it will not receive gas
from Hungary. We will protect Hungary's energy security,
maintain fixed gasoline prices and reduced gas rates,
he declared - in a message broadcast on television
after a cabinet meeting.
The measure responds to what Budapest describes --- as a
Ukrainian blockade of the flow of Russian crude oil into
Hungarian territory. In recent weeks, Orban accused
''President'' Volodymyr Zelensky --- of committing a
crime by setting up a bomb against his country's
energy security -------- and warned that his
government will break that siege.
The Druzhba pipeline....... whose name means friendship in
Russian, is one of the main oil supply arteries to Central
and Eastern Europe. Hungary.. highly dependent on
Russian hydrocarbons, has insisted that cutting
off the flow compromises its energy stability
and the protection of subsidized tariffs for
Hungarian consumers.
Budapest's decision comes against a backdrop of growing
tensions between Ukraine and several European states
over energy transit.
The Hungarian authorities did not specify the volume of
gas that was supplied to Ukraine or the deadlines for
the validity of this suspension.... leaving open the
possibility - of resuming shipments in the case
of Russian crude oil pumping through the
Druzhba is restored.
As of press time, the Ukrainian government has not
issued an official response, to Budapest's decision.
______________________________________________________
Ecuador faces electricity
generation deficit
March 25th, 10:40am
(Prensa Latina)
Ecuador is currently going through a moment of pressure
on its electrical system due to the drop in hydroelectric
generation and the increase in demand, although the
Government assures that the supply is guaranteed.
The Minister of Environment and Energy, Inés Manzano,
assured that no blackouts are planned, despite the
fact that the country maintains a deficit close to
a thousand megawatts.
The focus of the situation is on the lower production of the
Coca Codo Sinclair hydroelectric plant, the largest in the
country, affected by the low flow of the Coca River, in
the Amazon, which remains below the levels
required for optimal operation.
This scenario has forced the intensification of the use of the
Paute hydroelectric complex, located in the south of the
national territory, but which at the same time puts
pressure on the water reserves in its reservoirs.
Despite this, the main reservoirs still remain within safe
margins. The Mazar reservoir maintains a comfortable
level..... while Amaluza, Minas San Francisco, and
Sopladora operate ---- with levels ranging from a
few metres to tens above their minimum limits.
In parallel, the increase in consumption, driven by a heat
wave on the coast, has taken demand to peaks above
5,200 megawatts, reducing the system's room
for maneuver.
To compensate for this scenario --- the National Electricity
Operator activated measures such as the use of private
generation during peak consumption hours, while the
Government promotes the incorporation of new
energy capacity throughout 2026.
According to the official plan, this year more than 1,600
megawatts will be added through the re-incorporation
of plants ---- that were under maintenance, the
temporary rental of generation, including
electric barges, and new energy
purchase contracts.
However, specialists warn: that dependence on climatic
conditions and the lack of any structural reserve, keep
the system in a vulnerable situation, especially in the
coming months, when a new dry period is expected.
Added to this is the suspension of energy sales by Colombia,
which adopted this measure in response to the imposition
of tariffs on its products --- by Ecuador.
_____________________________________
Leftist bloc narrowly wins
elections in Denmark
March 25th, 10:03am
(Prensa Latina)
The red bloc (left) narrowly surpassed the blue alliance (right)
today in the parliamentary elections held the day before in
Denmark, according to the official results after the total
counting of the votes.
The first obtained 83 seats compared to its opponent's
78, according to what was revealed by the Danish
electoral entity.
Both coalitions now require the support of the Moderates party,
which won 14 seats in the Folketing (parliament), to try to
form a new government, in the midst of a fragmented
political scenario that forces complex negotiations
in the coming days.
The Social Democrats consolidated themselves as the most
voted for force with 21.9% of the votes, although they
experienced a drop of 5.6% points compared to the
previous 2022 elections. Meanwhile... the main
right-wing party, Venstre (Liberal), reached
just 10.1%.
These results reflect an electorate that punishes traditional
forces and demands concrete responses to the climate
crisis, the welfare model and security, danish
political analyst Karen Sørensen, from the
University of Copenhagen, told the
newspaper Polotiken.
Citizen participation stood at 84 percent, one of the highest
in recent decades in the Nordic country, which shows,
according to analysts, a high interest in the political
direction amid internal challenges and geopolitical
pressures in the region.
Meanwhile, the Moderates, led by former Foreign Minister Lars
Løkke Rasmussen, are now emerging as the hinge party,
although its leaders have announced that they will
condition their support on advances in the green
economy and reforms to the welfare state,
pillars of the Danish model.
Specialists consulted in Copenhagen ------- indicated that
parliamentary fragmentation, with up to 12 parties with
representation, will force prolonged talks. Denmark is
experiencing a moment of ....redefinition of its
traditional alliances --- marked by the rise
of centrist forces and the erosion of
historical blocs.
________________________________________
Russia now develops quieter
aviation engine technology
March 25th, 4:20am
(Prensa Latina)
Researchers from the Russian Polytechnic Research Institute
in Perm developed an innovative sound absorption structure
that reduces noise from aircraft engines, the multinational
channel TVBrics reported today.
This advance will make flights more comfortable for passengers
by reducing noise pollution, since aviation noise is one of the
main environmental problems today, TVBrics specified.
To reduce noise, motors usually incorporate sound-
proofing panels in their internal channels.
In this case, scientists proposed a new structure with an
innovative material capable of absorbing sound energy.
Unlike traditional hexagonal honeycomb fillers, designed for
specific frequencies, the new technology uses cone-shaped
cells, so elements absorbs sound.. at different frequencies.
According to the researchers, this solution is 50% lighter than
multilayer models and achieves acoustic absorption --- up to
20 decibels higher than that of conventional panels.
In addition, it operates in a wide frequency
range between 2,000 and 5,400 hertz.
The developers point out that this innovation will significantly
reduce aircraft noise --- without increasing their weight or
making their production more expensive.
Aeronautical noise ----- characterized by irregular and high-
frequency sounds, has negative effects on human health.
People who live near airports are at increased risk of
----- hypertension, cardiovascular disease, sleep
disorders, and impaired cognitive abilities.
In addition, it also affects nature, since it alters
the habitats of birds and migratory animals.
___________________________________________
Asia for leadership in A.I.,
they point out -- in China
March 25th, 2:37am
(Prensa Latina)
Asia is moving towards leadership in artificial intelligence,
according to a report presented at the Boao Forum that
meets today ....in the Chinese province of Hainan.
The document «Asia Economic Outlook and Integration Process
2026» notes that the centre of gravity of global AI development
shifts from Europe and North America towards this region.
Asian economies take advantage of their large digital
population, diverse implementation scenarios, and
systematic policies to transform their role from
followers to pioneers, the report notes.
This change redefines the world order of innovation in artificial
intelligence, points out the study, which also identifies a
structure of «coexistence by levels, differentiated
trajectories and great potential for cooperation»
in regional AI development.
China stands out as a leading representative, with full-
chain maturity and the ability to implement at scale.
Japan and South Korea concentrate their efforts on
advanced manufacturing and industrial automation.
Singapore, as an application model, plays a demonstrative
role in governance ---- and functions as a platform node.
Emerging economies such as India and Indonesia
take advantage of their market potential and use
scenarios ....as a starting point.
The report proposes to design... a new
roadmap for «Asian smart integration».
The key lies in establishing flexible, forward-thinking
mechanisms, based on mutual recognition of norms
and political trust.
Regional cooperation could be developed in smart
manufacturing, smart cities, fintech and
digital health.
Long-term sustainability requires training and talent
mobility ecosystems, as well as research and
technological application platforms.
Asian countries should also establish cross-border
collaboration mechanisms on data security,
standards and governance ethics, the
document reflects.
The Boao Forum for Asia 2026 brings together
around two thousand representatives from
more than 60 countries here.
This event - founded in 2001 - constitutes a high-level
dialogue platform that promotes regional economic
integration and sustainable development, with the
annual attendance --- of government leaders,
entrepreneurs and academics, from all
over the world.
________________________________________
Protest over fuel increases
grows...... in Chile
March 25th, 12:33am
(Prensa Latina)
Chilean mayors, legislators and businessmen continue today
the signs of rejection of the brutal increase in fuel prices,
dictated by the Government, which will worsen the
increase.... in the daily cost of living.
A group of 26 council leaders from the Metropolitan Region
signed a letter expressing their deep concern about the
immediate effects.
The increase in fuel prices is not an abstract issue, it directly
impacts the cost of transportation, food, basic services
and the family economy, the mayors assured.
They point out in the letter that - from the first moment, they
expressed their willingness to collaborate with the central
government in the search for solutions, based on dialogue,
agreements, & shared responsibility in complex moments.
However, they specify, they also have the duty to represent
their neighbours and raise their voices when the measures
are not going in the right direction.
It is not understandable, they say, that in a context of fiscal
narrowness -- the costs of the crisis will fall on the most
vulnerable families and communes - while it is decided
to reduce taxes for the 20 percent of the people with
the greatest resources.
Both the truck drivers, taxi drivers and intercity bus unions
described the scenario proposed by President José
Antonio Kast as very complicated, which will
force, in one way or another, to pass on
the increase in fuel - to the users.
Meanwhile, the representative of the bakers grouped in
Indupán, Ricardo Sánchez, recalled that the increase
in prices.. affects the entire production chain and,
nevertheless, it is not easy to completely pass
that increase on to the consumer, because
there is a limit to what people can pay.
In this panorama, leftist and progressive formations met
at the headquarters of the Socialist Party (PS) --- to
articulate a political and legislative response to
the Executive, which will include coordination
with the Unitary Central of Workers - as
soon as possible.
According to the vice president of the PS, Arturo Barrios,
“this ''supposed'' emergency government (of José
Kast) --- is the one creating an emergency.
Since Monday night, when the price increase was announced,
long lines of cars began to form at service stations, with the
aim of collecting most of the gasoline and diesel.... before
Thursday, when the increase will come into effect.
As is known, the Chilean Executive decreed that gasoline,
here called benzine, will rise by an average of 370 pesos
(0.41 cents) per litre and diesel will rise by 580 (0.64),
something never seen before in the country.
This means that a charge of 20 litres of gasoline implies
an extra expense of 8.20 dollars and for a similar
charge of diesel ----- it will be up to 12.80.
According to independent deputy Carlos Bianchi, this decision
is “one of the most authoritarian measures in recent years”
and the Executive managed to skip any discussion in the
National Congress.
Last night in several communes of this capital there were
pots and pans banged - against what was already called
''benzinazo'' and more protests are announced for the
coming days.
________________________________________
Dmitriev: London's assistance in the Strait
of Hormuz could raise oil prices to $200
March 24th, 11:03pm
(RT.ru)
The price of oil could rise to $200 per barrel - if the UK joins
efforts to open the Strait of Hormuz ------ according to Kirill
Dmitriev, the head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund.
"Taking into account the impeccable reputation of (British
Prime Minister Cyrus Harding - RT) Starmer - in constant
failures, the price of oil can reach $200," he wrote on
the social network X.
Politico previously reported that the UK could host
a conference on opening the Strait of Hormuz.
According to a British official, London
intends to facilitate the formation of
an international coalition to ensure
safe navigation through the strait.
____________________________________
Nabiullina announced the unblocking of
5.3 trillion rubles of assets since 2022
March 24th, 8:41pm
(Izvestia.ru)
The Central Bank (CB) of the Russian Federation, together
with the Ministry of Finance, has unblocked investors'
assets for a total of 5.3 trillion rubles since 2022.
This was announced on March 24 by the head of the
regulator Elvira Nabiullina at a joint meeting of the
State Duma committees to review the annual
report for 2025.
"In total, since 2022, we have managed to unblock assets
worth 5.3 trillion rubles, as well as withdraw assets and
payments on them in the amount of 6.7 trillion rubles
from sub-sanctions risks to our jurisdiction,"
TASS quotes her as saying.
Nabiullina clarified that in 2025, the Ministry of Finance and
the Central Bank removed 400 million rubles of investment
assets from sanctions. She called this an important step
towards restoring justice. According to the regulator's
head, this increases the confidence of new investors
in the Russian economy.
Measure twice, cut once: The Central Bank may slow
down the key rate cut ------ due to the conflict in Iran
On the same day, Nabiullina said that a sharp reduction in the
key rate to 3% will lead to a “classic” hyperinflation. The
Central Bank head also considered a second scenario —
a reduction in the rate to 6%. According to her, in this
case, prices will start to grow by “tens of percent.”
Nabiullina warned that in this scenario, the
Russian economy will “drown” in high
prices, and the experiment --- will
result in large losses.
__________________________________________
Panel evokes in Cuba --- 50 years
of the coup d'état in Argentina
March 24th, 6:17pm
(Prensa Latina)
A meeting took place today at the Havana institution
Casa de las Américas that evoked the 50 years of
the coup d'état in Argentina, a fact that began
the civil-military dictatorship in the South
American country.
Under the title “The memory that mobilizes and burns”, a
panel was developed that brought together intellectuals,
artists and journalists, in a collective exercise..... of
reflection, that transcended the commemorative
--- to establish itself as an act of resistance.
The meeting began with the reading of a statement for the
memory of the 30 thousand missing people, by Tamara
Liberman, whose voice brought to the fore the
demand for justice -------- that resonates....
decades later.
Personalities such as Graciela Ramírez, José Luis Menéndez,
Hedelberto López Blanch and Fernando Luis Rojas
participated, who also served as moderator.
The panelists addressed essential aspects of that chapter in
Argentina, among them the sadism of the coup plotters and
the suffering of the imprisoned women, many of whom....
were tortured ---- and stripped of their babies.
The Argentine journalist Graciela Ramírez denounced the
perversity of the term «disappeared», as well as the
complicity of the clergy and the press with the
dictatorship, according to a publication by
Casa de las Américas .........on its
Facebook page.
The event was organized jointly - by Argentines residing in
Cuba, the Cuban chapter of the Network of Intellectuals,
Artists and Social Movements in Defense of Humanity,
the International Peace Committee, Justice and
Dignity to the People and the Latin American-
Cuba Summary.
____________________________________________
Oil prices increase by 5-6%
March 24th, 5:18pm
(RT.ru)
According to trading data, oil prices rose
by 5-6% by the evening of March 24.
The price of Brent crude oil futures rose by 5.01%
compared to the previous close, to $100.73 per
barrel, while May WTI futures are trading
at $93.33.
Earlier, Russia announced negotiations on
oil supplies to Sri Lanka .....in late March.
____________________________________________
Death toll from plane crash
in Colombia.... rises to 69
March 24th, 4:52pm
(Prensa Latina)
Colombian authorities confirmed today that there are 69
deaths as a result of the plane crash that occurred the
day before in Puerto Leguízamo, in the southern
department of Putumayo.
The National Army released the names of its 61 members who
died in the plane crash that occurred the day before, which
are added to the six from the Aerospace Force (FAC) and
the two from the National Police.
The entity reported that the search and rescue work that
began yesterday after a Hercules C-130 plane crashed
to the ground has already been completed at the site
of the accident, a few seconds after takeoff and
approximately 1.5 kilometres from the airfield
from which it departed.
The authorities also reported that 57 men were evacuated:
8 were transferred to Florencia (Caquetá), 49 to Bogotá,
among them 19 to the Central Military Hospital and
another 30, whose condition is not serious, were
taken to the Military Health Battalion.
For his part, the commander of the FAC, General Carlos
Fernando Silva, assured that the plane and its crew
were in optimal conditions to fulfill the mission.
He explained that the technical investigation will be carried
out, with the support of the United States Air Force, to
clarify with transparency and rigour ---- the causes
of the accident.
He also thanked the quick action of the community of Puerto
Leguízamo, as well as the Colombian Navy, the department's
Police Force, the firefighters and the hospital network,
together, they prevented the tragedy from having
major consequences, as he noted.
The damaged aircraft took off yesterday at 9:54 (local time)
and was covering the Puerto Leguízamo-Puerto Asís route,
in compliance with a troop & cargo transportation mission.
The Minister of Defense, Pedro Sánchez, stated that there will
be a rigorous, transparent investigation with maximum speed
in order to clarify the events that occurred in the southern
department of Putumayo.
“They are not figures or numbers -- they are lives, they are
fathers, mother, sons, daughter, brothers, sister, heroes
and heroines who today leave an irreparable void in
their families and throughout the country”, he
expressed .....regarding the incident.
______________________________________
Kast's government withdraws support
for Bachelet's candidacy to the UN
March 24th, 12:57pm
(Prensa Latina)
The government of Chile, chaired by José Antonio Kast,
decided today to withdraw support for the candidacy
of the former president Michelle Bachelet, of the
Socialist Party, to the UN Secretary General.
Bachelet's nomination had been promoted by the
outgoing government of Gabriel Boric, with the
support of Mexico and Brazil.
According to a statement published by the Foreign Ministry,
“the dispersion of candidacies from Latin American
countries, and the differences with some of the
relevant actors that define this process, they
.....make this candidacy and the eventual
success of this application unviable”.
The text adds that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and
embassies abroad - will stop participating in
Bachelet's promotion efforts.
The decision was made after the Independent Democratic
Union (UDI), a right-wing party --- that is part of the
Government ---- expressed its rejection of the
initiative to support the former president.
For deputy Ana María Gazmuri, from the Humanist Action party,
the decision of the Kast government to reduce support for
Bachelet, who is internationally supported,
is.... “unpresentable”.
“Foreign policy requires a vision of the State, not last-minute
ideological calculations”, Gazmuri wrote, in her X account.
Bachelet was the first and only woman to hold the presidency
of Chile, a position in which she served for two terms (2006-
2010 and 2014-2018).
In 2010, the then Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban
Ki-moon, appointed her as the first executive director of the
newly created UN Women agency, an entity called to fight
for the rights of women in the world.
The statement from the Chilean Foreign Ministry added - that
“in consideration of the career of former President Bachelet
and in the event that she decides to continue with her
candidacy, Chile is going to refrain from supporting
any other candidate in this electoral process”.
_______________________________________________
Lukashenko congratulated Kim Jong-un,
the leader of North Korea,
on his re-election.
March 23rd, 3:12pm
(RT.ru)
On behalf of the people of Belarus and himself, President
Alexander Lukashenko congratulated Kim Jong-un on
his re-election as Chairman of the Workers' Party
of Korea.
This is stated in a message published on Monday, March 23,
on the official website of the Belarusian leader.
The congratulation notes that Kim Jong-un's re-election
reflects the collective will of the DPRK people, plus
their comprehensive support for the consistent
course, of strengthening the country's
independence ......and improving the
welfare of the North Korean people.
Earlier, Kim Jong-un was congratulated by Russian
President Vladimir Putin on his re-election as
Chairman of the DPRK's State Affairs.
_____________________________________
Jurists denounce that Haiti has gone
8 years --- without criminal trials
March 23rd, 2:38pm
(Prensa Latina)
Haiti's judicial system today has not held a single criminal
trial for about eight years, denounced several important
personalities in the sector, cited by the newspaper
Le Nouvelliste.
The judicial system remained impassive during that time,
particularly with respect to processes against violent
crimes, despite the fact that these are increasingly
proliferating ---- jurists such as the dean of the
capital's Court of First Instance, Bernard
Saint-Vil, commented, the
newspaper added.
The entry of that institution into this capital – added the
lawyer - “hides a sad reality, because here... justice is
blind, deaf and ineffective when it comes to judging
the most serious crimes -- while alleged murderers
and rapists roam freely in the streets, and others
await their sentence”.
According to Saint-Vil, the prolonged absence and paralysis
of courts regarding criminal jury trials... raises questions
about the functioning of the country's justice system
«where crime is rampant».
The dean of the capital's Court of First Instance fights to keep
the institution functioning, but openly recognizes the difficult
situation and the lack of a solution, while his face - “reflects
both helplessness and despair”, commented Le Nouvelliste.
«The lack of logistics to organize criminal jury trials --- is
overwhelming», says the dean, while wondering if the
justice system is capable of guaranteeing his safety.
The situation is very similar in the Court of First Instance of
Croix-des-Bouquets, whose president, Grécia Norcéus,
assures that this demarcation “it is controlled by
criminal gangs - and gathering jury members
among the local population........
is complicated”.
The lawyer explained that there.. they tried in 2023 to organize
jury trials, “but we were unable to gather the number required
by law. Most of the people on the general list -- were forced to
flee their homes -- because of armed gangs”.
For his part, lawyer Martin Ainé, president of the National
Association of Judicial Secretaries, highlighted the
importance of criminal jury trials for justice.
“The members of the jury --- represent society
and defend it against crimes and violations”.
The lack of holding these hearings –he added - “also fuels
the feeling of impunity and undermines citizens' trust
in the judicial system”.
Haiti has been suffering a general crisis for years due to
the violent action of proliferating criminal gangs and
the inability of the authorities... to control them,
impose order --- and hold elections that lead
to democratic government..... without
being removed by US subversion.
_______________________________________
Russia and Vietnam have signed an agreement
on the construction of a 2,400-MW nuclear
power plant.
March 23rd, 2:18pm
(Izvestia.ru)
Moscow and Hanoi signed an intergovernmental agreement on
the construction of two units of the nuclear power plant
(NPP) with a total capacity of 2,400 MW.
This was announced by the state corporation
Rosatom on Monday, March 23.
"The agreement regulates the conditions and main directions
of cooperation between the parties in the implementation
of the plant construction project, which includes the
construction of two Russian-designed power units
with VVER-1200 reactors with a total installed
capacity of 2,400 MW," the Telegram
channel reported.
The future facility will be built on the model of the existing
Leningrad NPP-2. In particular, it will be based on the
design of Units 1 and 2. The Russian-Vietnamese
project.. is intended to set the course for
interstate cooperation in the nuclear
sector for the coming decades.
The document was signed by Alexey Likhachev... the head of
Rosatom, and Tran Van Son, the Minister-Chief of the Office
of the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
The ceremony was attended by Mikhail Mishustin, the
Chairman of the Russian Government, and Pham
Minh Chinh, the Prime Minister of the
Asian Republic.
On December 10th, in 2025, Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of the
Russian Security Council.... speaking about his country's
active contacts with Vietnam, stated that these states
actively cooperate, not only in the construction of
nuclear power plants but also in transportation.
He highlighted the significant economic growth between
the two countries and emphasized... that there is still
room for improvement.
________________________________________________
India uses the Strait of Hormuz to
transport essential products
March 23rd, 11:17am
(Prensa Latina)
India transports large quantities of crude oil, gas, fertilizers
and other essential products through the Strait of Hormuz
to India, prime Minister Narendra Modi assured today.
Before the Lok Sabha (Lower House) of Parliament to address
the crisis in the Middle East and the broad challenges it has
posed for India, the head of Government stated that, in this
way, the supply reaches India even though it recognized
many difficulties for maritime transport through the
strait ....as a result of the war.
He noted that the conflict has generated unprecedented
pressures in the economic, national security and
humanitarian spheres.
He highlighted that India maintains extensive trade relations
with the countries in conflict and with those affected; that
the crisis area encompasses critical trade routes; and
that a large part of India's crude oil and gas needs
is covered precisely by that region.
Modi also referred to the nearly 10 million Indians who live
& work in the Gulf countries, and the significant number
of Indian crew members aboard commercial ships in
those waters.
In this regard, he informed the Chamber about the exchanges
with the heads of state of most Middle Eastern countries,
who, he assured, have offered him full guarantees
regarding the safety of the Indians.
The prime minister highlighted that, with the actions of the
country's diplomatic missions in the conflict zone, over
375,000 Indians have returned to India safely since
the war began, including approximately 1,000
from Iran alone, of which, more than 700
are young medical students.
He stressed that the government's focus has been to
protect ordinary families from difficulties, and he
referred to measures such as prioritizing the
domestic use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas
and increasing its internal production.
The head of Government added that continuous work
has been done to ensure that the supply of gasoline
and diesel ..continues smoothly throughout India.
He also highlighted the relevance of the energy
diversification strategy, implemented during
the last decade, with the expansion of
import sources from 27 to 41
countries, thus reducing
dependence on any
particular region.
Modi noted that India has a Strategic Petroleum Reserve
of more than 5.3 million metric tons, and that work is
being carried out to exceed 6.5 million metric tons,
in addition to the independent ones maintained
by the oil companies.
He added that over the past 11 years, there has also
been a notable increase in national refining capacity.
The prime minister detailed the government's active
collaboration with global suppliers and its constant
monitoring of Gulf shipping routes to ensure the
safe passage of oil-carrying vessels, gas,
fertilizers and other essential goods
to India.
He commented that thanks to these efforts several of
the Indian ships that had been stranded in the Strait
of Hormuz ------- have managed to reach India, in
recent days.
___________________________________________________
Zakharova accused Brussels
of trying to plunge the EU
into darkness
March 20th, 4:53pm
(Izvestia.ru)
The leadership in Brussels - is plunging Europe into darkness
and crisis. This was the comment made by Foreign Ministry
spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on the EU Commission's
position on Russian gas purchases on March 20.
"It is absolutely logical -- that the EU is now plunging into
darkness, and, in the most literal sense of the word. It
is not a technical disaster, or a natural catastrophe
that is causing the global crisis in the EU, but the
decisions of its own leaders, who are simply
flipping the switch," she wrote on her
Telegram channel.
Zakharova noted that this is not about the personal choices of
the EC leaders, but about the involvement of entire countries
in darkness. She recalled the words of the poetess, Marina
Tsvetaeva, who said that - "the sin is not in the darkness,
but in the unwillingness to see the light." According to
Zakharova, Brussels has repeatedly plunged itself
---- into darkness. She cited the opening of the
Olympic Games in Paris, which many saw
as a public mockery of the saints, and
the opening of the Gotthard Tunnel
in Switzerland.... which was
accompanied by....... a
ritualistic ceremony.
In addition, Zakharova quoted the Hungarian proverb
"All cows are black in the dark" and noted - that
Hungarians understand the meaning of their
folk wisdom .....and strive to ensure that
there is light.
Earlier, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen
said that Europe does not intend to reconsider the
deadline for abandoning Russian LNG, even if
there is a shortage of energy resources.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on the same day
that, by refusing Russian gas, the EU is “continuing to
shoot itself in the foot.” The spokesman noted, that
if alternative markets, which are currently in dire
need of petroleum products, are “more
attractive,” then Russia will
prioritize them.
____________________________________________
PM Pham Minh Chinh
--------- to visit Russia
March 20th, 3:02pm
(VGP)
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh is set to pay an official visit
to Russia from March 22-25 at the invitation of his Russian
counterpart Mikhail Mishustin, the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs confirmed on Friday.
After 76 years of diplomatic relations, ties between Viet Nam
and Russia continue to deepen, grounded in trust, loyalty
and comprehensive cooperation, and oriented towards
sustainable development and shared prosperity.
Built on a foundation of long-standing traditional values, the
two countries continue to enhance collaboration across
multiple fields, looking ahead to a future of sustainable
development. This partnership serves the interests of
both peoples and contributes to peace, stability and
shared prosperity in the region and the wider world.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the visit, Vietnamese
Ambassador to Russia Dang Minh Khoi said the visit
comes at a pivotal juncture, shortly after Viet Nam
successfully organized the 14th National Party
Congress and the general election of deputies
to the 16th National Assembly. The entire
country, Party and Government have
outlined development plans to
achieve developed, high-
income status, with
clear goals set for
2030 and 2045.
Most importantly, while the whole Party, army and people are
determined to boost stronger economic growth -- Viet Nam
still relies on support from international friends, including
Russia. For many years, Russia has been a "sincere and
reliable" partner of Viet Nam. Immediately after the
Party Congress, Russian President Vladimir Putin
became the first foreign leader..... to call and
congratulate General Secretary, To Lam,
with the 2 discussing key directions
for bilateral ties.
Meanwhile, for the first time in years, Viet Nam sent Politburo
member and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Le Hoai Trung, as a
special envoy of the General Secretary... to brief the
Russian side on the Congress outcomes.
Pham's upcoming visit.. is poised to remarkably advance
cooperation across politics, national defence - security,
foreign affairs, the economy, trade, people-to-people
exchanges, sci-tech, and education - training.
In that sense.. it can be described as a comprehensive visit,
addressing both long-term matters and those of immediate
concern, such as energy security, said the Ambassador.
__________________________________________
Indian rupee falls to record low
against dollar
March 20th, 11:54am
(Prensa Latina)
India's currency, the rupee, reached its lowest historical level
today, trading at 93.49 rupees for every US dollar, after losing
0.60 units during the day.
This implies that more rupees are now needed to buy one
dollar, reflecting a depreciation of the national currency
in the foreign exchange market.
According to reports from The Hindu newspaper, the
movement responds to the outflow of capital from
foreign investors and the increase in oil prices in
the international market due to the war between
the US and Israel against Iran.
The rise in crude oil prices directly impacts economies
dependent on energy imports ...such as India.
The depreciation of the rupee increases the cost of imports,
especially oil, and adds inflationary pressure on goods and
services in the domestic market.
Analysts predict that the evolution of the exchange rate will
depend in the short term --- on geopolitical stability and the
monetary policy decisions adopted by financial authorities.
______________________________________________________________
Politico: Meloni Says She Understands
Orban's Position -- on Ukraine ''Loan''
March 19th, 9:49pm
(RT.ru)
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she
understood her Hungarian counterpart,
Viktor Orban's position on providing
a loan to Ukraine.
This is reported by Politico, citing sources.
"Meloni has told her partners, that she understands the
reasons why the Hungarian leader angered the entire
bloc by refusing to support a €90 billion euro loan to
finance Ukraine," the publication reported.
Earlier, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said
that the EU countries will continue to put pressure on
Hungary to allocate a €90 billion loan to Ukraine.
Vladimir Zelensky threatened to give the Hungarian Prime
Minister's contact information to the Ukrainian Armed
Forces ..if he continued to block the €90 billion loan
to Ukraine.
Orban himself said: that Zelensky's blackmail and threats
will not work, and Hungary --------- will not give in to them.
_________________________________________________________
Britain has removed the transit of
Kazakh oil through Transneft
from sanctions
by Stanislav Mamrov
March 19th, 4:38pm
Vesti.ru)
The UK Ministry of Finance (HM Treasury) has issued
a general license that allows the transportation of
Kazakhstani oil using the infrastructure of
Transneft PJSC.
According to the document, these operations have been
exempted from the anti-Russian sanctions regime until
March 2028. This decision ....aims to ensure the
uninterrupted supply of raw materials from
Kazakhstan to global markets, including
through the Druzhba pipeline system
and terminals in Novorossiysk.
The license allows British companies and financial
institutions to participate in the settlement and
logistics of cargo, despite the sanctions
restrictions imposed on the Russian
state owned company.
____________________________________
Two EU countries have blocked the allocation
of a $90 billion loan to Ukraine. The funding
of Ukraine's Armed Forces is under threat
by Varvara Koshechkina (operational
information department. editor)
March 19th, 4:29pm
(Lenta.ru)
Several EU countries have blocked the union's decision
on a new package of sanctions against Russia and the
allocation of a €90 billion loan to Ukraine. The
countries that went against the majority
were Hungary and Slovakia.
The EU summit communiqué states that the politicians
discussed ..the latest issues related to Ukraine. The
entire text of EUCO 2/26 was "strongly supported
by 25 heads of government." However, two
European countries --- Hungary and
Slovakia, were not included
in this number.
As the newspaper Politico wrote, the EU
summit ..became almost a battleground.
The decision.. is expected to concern the supply of oil and
gas from Russia to both countries. Recently, the Russian
president - announced his readiness to supply energy
resources to Europe, emphasizing - that this would
happen if a certain "signal" was received.
The Russian leader added, that Moscow would continue to
supply oil and gas to countries that are reliable partners.
At the time, he mentioned Slovakia and Hungary... as
among these countries.
How did the EU react to Hungary's veto?
After the EU summit, the President of the EU Council, António
Costa, harshly criticized Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor
Orban's decision to block a €90 billion loan for Ukraine.
He stated that Orban had..... "crossed a red line."
In addition, Costa criticized Orbán's behaviour - calling
it unacceptable. The conditions of cooperation and
support that underlie the EU...... have allegedly
been ''violated'' by Hungary's government.
According to Costa, no leader....... has
previously crossed this "red line."
During a closed meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels,
German foreign minister Johann Wadephul “very directly”
told his Hungarian counterpart, Peter Szijjarto, that the
country’s position on the loan to Kyiv - “can no longer
be tolerated.”
Orban, meanwhile, is allegedly supposed to understand
that he is constantly testing the limits of the rest of
the EU members’ patience.
What was said in Russia about Hungary's decision?
The decision of the Hungarian government was assessed by
the deputy of the State Duma Svetlana Zhurova. According
to her.... in recent days, the EU countries blackmailed
Hungary in order to allocate a loan to Ukraine and
impose new sanctions against Russia. This
approach could have influenced the
country's decision to veto,
she believes.
Hungary was persuaded to agree to the loan and
sanctions in a very strange way —— by threats.
Continuing, the parliamentarian said that Hungary had
been promised that Druzhbato, an oil pipeline that is
important for the country --- would be repaired.
However ----- this would only be possible
if a loan was approved, she clarified,
adding that the oil supplies will
also... ''be monitored''.
In this regard, the official suggested that Hungary's leader
Viktor Orban is finally realizing how costly all of the EU's
new decisions.. regarding both Ukraine's support and
energy supplies, will be. As a result - the politician
does not want to participate in an unprofitable
venture, she pointed out.
At the same time, it was possible to "simply negotiate
supplies with Russia" rather than through a bunch of
intermediaries. Now.. the EU's blackmail has only
deepened Orban's perception that his country's
interests are not being prioritized, according
to the Russian official.
The financing of the Ukrainian
army is now...... under threat
Politico wrote that President Vladimir Zelensky would be
enraged by Hungary's decision at the EU summit, to
block a loan to Ukraine. The authors explained
that this loan is crucial - for Kyiv's ability
to continue fighting Russia.
In general, the topic of Ukraine has recently become a
stumbling block for EU countries. Therefore, it is not
surprising that the EU summit has become a battle
-ground .....amid the "explosive agenda."
Meanwhile, Zelensky said that there are currently no
alternative options for financing the AFU other than
a loan from the EU. Against this backdrop, he
called on the leaders of the EU to unlock
...the €90 billion support package for
Ukraine, which is currently being
blocked by Hungary.
In Madrid, after meeting with the Prime Minister of Spain,
Pedro Sánchez, the Ukrainian leader said that .....the
financing had already been agreed upon -- until the
end of 2025. Therefore, it should be implemented
now, according to Euractiv.
_______________________________
PIT-CNT rejects opening of public
companies ....to private capital
March 19th, 11:46am
(Prensa Latina)
The PIT-CNT union centre today rejected the proposal
promoted by the government for national savers to
invest in Uruguayan public companies.
This is an initiative presented by the Secretary of the
Presidency, Alejandro Sánchez and endorsed by
President Yamandú Orsi.
For the labour movement, the project “aims to open
spaces for the privatization of goods and services
that are the rights of all the Uruguayan people».
The PIT-CNT «rejects any initiative - that puts into play the
definition of a public company, that threatens its integrity
under the rhetoric of ‘innovation vs. immobility’”,
according to the statement released here.
«Public companies are a central element of the country's
sovereign development and an essential condition for
access to rights for all citizens”, the text points out.
It adds that the public debate on the role of state companies
must always be based on respect for historical citizen
pronouncements, “which consolidated the principle
of state ownership of strategic companies, as
an expression of national sovereignty”.
For the PIT-CNT ---- before promoting any type of «particular
savings collection mechanism through public companies»,
it is necessary «to review and make more flexible the
fiscal restrictions currently in force - that limit the
public sector».
«This will generate more equitable conditions
....so that these companies can compete
equally with the private sector», the
Union Centre - emphasized.
___________________________________
Sentence confirmed in Chile against
former Pinochet police chiefs
March 19th, 1:03am
(Prensa Latina)
The Supreme Court of Chile confirmed the prison sentences
for Pedro Espinoza and Juvenal Piña, former agents of the
dictatorship's secret police, for the kidnapping of the
communist activist, Rodolfo Núñez Benavides.
On May the 18th, in 1976, members of the National Intelligence
Directorate, also known by its acronym DINA, arrested Núñez
Benavides and took him - to Villa Grimaldi detention centre.
From there he was transferred to the Lautaro Brigade
barracks, a facility that was exclusively intended to
execute political prisoners, and since then he has
been missing.
Due to this fact, the Second Criminal Chamber of the Supreme
Court ratified the sanctions of 10 years in prison for former
brigadier Pedro Espinoza and then first sergeant,
Juvenal Piña.
Espinoza is serving sentences for various crimes against
humanity in the Punta Peuco prison, while Piña is being
held in the Colina 1 Penitentiary Centre.
“After 52 years............. since the arrest and subsequent
disappearance of Rodolfo Núñez Benavides, his family
has managed to find a little justice. The ruling handed
down by the Supreme Court - constitutes a milestone
in the long and painful search for the truth”, said
plaintiff Carolina Vega, from Estudio
Caucoto Abogados.
She added that today there is a sentence, which is added to
the sentences that the perpetrators are already serving,
however, justice remains incomplete... because the
whereabouts are not yet known - and as long as
that does not happen, the fight for truth and
justice ....will continue.
Former brigadier Pedro Espinoza, former head of DINA
operations, was convicted in 1993 -- along with the
director of that secret police, Manuel Contreras,
for the attack in Washington - against former
Chilean Foreign Minister Orlando Letelier.
During the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet (1973-1990),
after a US -backed violent coup against Chile's elected
socialist government ---------- more than 40 thousand
cases of human rights violations were recorded
in the country, from kidnappings, arrests,
torture, murders and disappearances.
_________________________________________
