International
Guatemalan president-elect calls for end to persecution of his party
September 12 |
The president-elect of Guatemala, Bernardo Arévalo de León, called for an end to the judicial persecution against his social democratic party Semilla.
Arévalo insisted that the judicial actions against his political party affect the process of transition and investiture as president of Guatemala as of January 2024.
It is worth mentioning that the president elect is meeting with the outgoing president, Alejandro Giammattei to continue with the process of transfer of power.
For his part, Giammattei committed himself to “carry out an orderly and high quality transition” and offered Arévalo a physical space in the National Palace of Culture to maintain “constant communication” to carry out the transition process.
Despite the statements of the outgoing president, Arévalo insisted that “it is necessary to cease the process of political persecution and judicial intimidation which is underway by the institutions of justice”.
It should be recalled that the elected president denounced last August 1 a “coup d’état” plan that would prevent him from taking office in January, despite the fact that Giammattei swore “to give his life” so that Arevalo would take office on January 14.
“I assure you and if my life is necessary for you to take office there you have it, but you will be the next president of Guatemala, whether I like it or not, what matters is that the people elected you”, argued the president a few days ago.
On this occasion and in front of the press, Giammattei kept his word and guaranteed to keep it for next January.
“As head of state I guaranteed you a week ago and I guarantee you today (that) you will take office on January 14, that is the decision of the people of Guatemala. It will be good, it will be bad, that does not matter, and that decision is respected,” he said.
After Arevalo’s electoral victory during the first presidential round, the Attorney General’s Office initiated an investigation process that would damage the legal status of the Semilla party.
The argument of the Prosecutor’s Office insisted on alleged anomalies in its registration for 2017. Despite the evidence, the Constitutional Court revoked the ruling and allowed Arevalo to compete in the second round.
By last Tuesday, the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) declared the progressive Arévalo as the winner and handed him and his vice-president-elect Karin Herrera the credentials accrediting him as president-elect.
Arévalo thanked for the credentials and said that the TSE magistrates are a central element in the process of defending democracy in the country.
However, despite being president elect, Bernardo Arévalo insists that there is a persecution against his political party that seeks to impede the transition process of his nation.
International
U.S. strike in Caribbean kills three suspected drug traffickers
A U.S. strike on a suspected drug-smuggling vessel in the Caribbean killed three people on Saturday, according to Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth, marking the latest in a series of attacks in international waters.
The United States has deployed ships to the Caribbean and sent fighter jets to Puerto Rico as part of a large military force that Washington says is aimed at curbing drug trafficking.
“This vessel, like all the others, was known to our intelligence for being involved in illicit narcotics smuggling,” Hegseth stated on X. “Three narcoterrorists were aboard the vessel during the attack, which took place in international waters,” he added.
Experts argue that the attacks, which began in early September, amount to extrajudicial executions, even if the targets are known traffickers.
Washington has yet to publicly provide evidence that the targeted individuals were actively smuggling drugs or posed a threat to the United States.
Hegseth said the U.S. would continue “hunting… and killing” suspected traffickers. He also shared video footage of the strike, showing the vessel being hit and engulfed in flames. As in previous videos, sections of the ship were blurred, making it impossible to verify the number of people on board.
The United Nations called on Friday for Washington to halt its attacks.
International
At least 23 killed in Sonora supermarket blast, including minors
At least 23 people were killed and 11 others injured in an explosion at a supermarket in Hermosillo, in the northern Mexican state of Sonora, local authorities reported on Saturday.
“So far, there are 23 confirmed deaths and 11 injured, including minors,” said Sonora Governor Alfonso Durazo in a video message. He added that the injured are receiving treatment in various hospitals across the city.
“I have ordered a thorough and transparent investigation to determine the causes of the incident and assign responsibility where appropriate,” Durazo said.
The explosion occurred at a Waldo’s store in downtown Hermosillo. Local authorities confirmed that the incident was not an attack nor related to any violent act against civilians.
Meanwhile, Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her condolences on X, offering sympathy to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives.
International
Floods in Central Vietnam leave 28 dead, thousands displaced
The death toll from heavy rains and flooding in central Vietnam has risen to 28, with six people reported missing and 43 injured, local newspaper VnExpress reported Friday night.
More than 22,100 homes remain flooded, primarily in the cities of Hue and Da Nang. Floods and landslides have destroyed or swept away 91 houses and damaged another 181, the report added.
Around 245,000 households are still without electricity, particularly in Da Nang, where over 225,000 homes are affected.
Additionally, 80 stretches of national highways are blocked or disrupted due to landslides. Authorities expect the flooding to continue for another day or two in the region.
U.S. strike in Caribbean kills three suspected drug traffickers
At least 23 killed in Sonora supermarket blast, including minors
Floods in Central Vietnam leave 28 dead, thousands displaced
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