International

Venezuelan people will pay tribute to Hugo Chávez

Photo: @gestionperfecta

March 5th |

The Venezuelan people will mobilize this Sunday in the country’s capital to pay tribute to the leader of the Bolivarian Revolution, Hugo Chavez on the tenth anniversary of his physical departure.

The Venezuelan Government arranged several points in the city of Caracas from where citizens may mobilize towards the Cuartel de la Montaña, to pay their respects to Hugo Chávez.

With a vigil at the place where the remains of the Bolivarian leader rest, authorities, young socialists, leaders of social movements and international guests received the tenth anniversary of the physical departure of Commander Hugo Chavez.

During the ceremony, the first vice-president of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV), Diosdado Cabello, expressed that they will not get tired of honoring Hugo Chávez.

20260330_renta_mh_728x90

The Venezuelan politician said that they hope to leave the footprints and works of Comandante Chávez so that in 200 years the world will talk about the leader of the Bolivarian Revolution.

The PSUV leader commented that Chavez belongs to all men and women who have the desire for freedom in the world as he is an ethical, moral, struggle, battle and great victories referent.

As part of the activities to pay homage to the revolutionary leader, since Friday, around one hundred intellectuals and guests from all continents participate in the World Encounter for the validity of the Bolivarian leader’s thought, where they highlighted the validity and imprint of the revolutionary leader.

The day before, Venezuelan singer-songwriters offered a tribute concert to the social and political leader, which was attended by the President of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, the first combatant and deputy Cilia Flores and the first vice-president of the PSUV, Diosdado Cabello.

Latin American leaders such as the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, Raúl Castro; the president of Bolivia, Luis Arce; of Grenada, with his foreign minister, Joseph Andall, and the former vice prime minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Earl Asim Martim, arrived in Caracas to participate in the commemorative activities.

20260330_renta_mh_728x90

From Honduras arrived former President Manuel Zelaya (2006-2009), Xiomara Zelaya, President of the Commission for Regional Relations and Integration, and Gerardo Torres Zelaya, Deputy Foreign Minister for Foreign Policy.

International

Air Canada suspends JFK flights amid soaring fuel costs linked to Iran conflict

Air Canada announced on Friday that it will suspend its flights from Montreal and Toronto to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport from June through late October, citing rising jet fuel costs driven by the conflict involving Iran.

“Since the beginning of the conflict with Iran, some routes and less profitable flights have become economically unviable, so we are making adjustments accordingly,” the airline said in a statement.

Despite the suspension, the carrier confirmed it will continue operating 34 daily flights from six Canadian cities to New York’s LaGuardia Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport.

Air Canada expects to resume its JFK operations after October 25.

Meanwhile, Iran announced the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz amid a temporary ceasefire in the region. However, jet fuel shortages could persist even if the truce holds.

20260330_renta_mh_728x90

Fuel accounts for between 25% and 30% of operating costs for most airlines, and carriers worldwide have responded to the crisis by raising fares and suspending select routes due to safety and profitability concerns.

International

UK braces for potential CO₂ shortage amid Middle East tensions

The government of United Kingdom is preparing contingency measures amid fears of a potential shortage of carbon dioxide (CO₂), which could impact the agri-food industry if the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, The Times reported on Thursday.

According to the newspaper, officials assessed this scenario during a recent crisis meeting aimed at evaluating the consequences of a prolonged conflict, triggered on February 28 by joint attacks from United States and Israel against Iran.

Under this scenario, CO₂ supplies—primarily a byproduct of fertilizer production using natural gas—could fall by up to 18%, affecting multiple sectors including agriculture and food production.

The gas is widely used in the slaughter of pigs and poultry, as well as in extending the shelf life of packaged foods. Breweries could also face disruptions due to reduced availability.

“I don’t want to comment on a leak, but now that the information is out there, I hope people feel reassured knowing we are working on it,” said Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for Business and Trade, in remarks to Sky News.

20260330_renta_mh_728x90

While a drop in CO₂ supply is not expected to cause major shortages in supermarkets, it could limit product variety, The Times noted, citing access to internal government documents.

To mitigate the impact, authorities are considering prioritizing CO₂ supply for critical sectors such as healthcare and civil nuclear energy, where it is used in cooling systems for blood reserves, organs, vaccines, and electricity generation. The government may also request domestic producers to increase output.

Central America

El Salvador and Paraguay approve 2026–2028 cooperation program

The governments of El Salvador and Paraguay approved the 2026–2028 Cooperation Program, which includes six joint development projects, according to Salvadoran Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Adriana Mira.

Mira stated that El Salvador will act as the “main provider of cooperation,” contributing five initiatives focused on road infrastructure, tourism, and local development. She also noted that one of the projects will be led by the Paraguayan side, although no further details were disclosed.

The agreement was reached during the Second Meeting of the Joint Commission on Technical and Scientific Cooperation between both countries.

According to Paraguay’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the First Meeting of the Political Consultation and Bilateral Coordination Mechanism was also held, with the participation of Vice Minister Víctor Verdún.

In an official statement, the Paraguayan government reported that both delegations agreed to identify mechanisms to promote competitiveness, economic growth, and market access. They also committed to signing agreements related to air transport cooperation.