International
Latvia will introduce mandatory national defense classes in all institutes
All Latvian high schools will teach mandatory national defense classes from the start of next year on September 1, Prime Minister Evikta Silina announced on Thursday in statements to the press.
With the decision, a 2018 law is made effective by which defense classes were first introduced on a voluntary basis in certain centers, in the tenth and eleventh years, with the subsequent goal of making them mandatory from 2024.
Silina spoke at a press conference after an ordinary Council of Ministers in Riga in which the Minister of Education, Anda Caksa, also participated, who indicated that the subject would include 112 hours of theory and practical exercises over two years.
Educational centers will have some flexibility to adjust their program and create space for the new mandatory classes, but not at the expense of science subjects or language and literature, Caksa said.
They will teach the instructor classes of the Voluntary Corps of Young Cadets, which has already participated in the pilot program and has its own programs of extracurricular and summer activities.
Caksa said that the requirements of the subject mean that educational centers must set up shooting ranges or have access to areas where they can practice shooting.
For his part, the Minister of Defense, Andris Spruds, explained that the subject will include topics ranging from the historical and theoretical basis of national defense, the role of the armed forces and civil defense to practical issues such as leadership, survival in the field, first aid and handling of weapons.
Although the idea of implementing the subject dates back to 2018, before the Russian invasion of Ukraine, at the moment the classes are seen as a preparation for the National Defense Service (VAD), the new military service that combines voluntary and mandatory elements implemented in 2023.
The first two rounds were covered with volunteers, but in the third there have been mandatory recruitments after some volunteers did not meet the specified requirements.
Silina also said at the press conference that the first shipment of drones to Ukraine will soon be on its way, within the framework of the coalition of 14 countries to supply these devices to Kiev.
Spruds refused to provide details about its characteristics but said that it is mainly first-person vision (FPV) drones, which allow the operator to operate the device depending on what he sees through the cameras.
International
UN warns Venezuela earthquakes could affect up to 6.76 million people
Up to 6.76 million people could be affected by the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24, according to an assessment released by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), a United Nations agency.
The organization said the projections are based on available population data and damage assessments, and include up to two million people living in Caracas, the country’s capital.
The estimates highlight the potentially massive humanitarian impact of the disaster, the IOM warned.
Entire buildings collapsed in La Guaira, a coastal area north of Caracas, following the powerful twin earthquakes that reached magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5 on Wednesday.
The national death toll has risen to 920, while rescue teams continue searching for people trapped beneath the rubble in coastal regions and other affected areas.
UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher told AFP on Friday that more than 50,000 people were reported missing.
The IOM also revealed that it worked with Microsoft’s artificial intelligence laboratory on an initial satellite mapping analysis, which showed that 31.5% of buildings in the town of Catia La Mar had suffered damage.
Authorities and international rescue teams continue operations as Venezuela faces one of its largest humanitarian emergencies in recent years.
International
United Nations Coordinates Relief Efforts as Venezuela Death Toll Rises After Twin Quakes
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Thursday expressed his condolences to the people of Venezuela following the two devastating earthquakes that struck the country and highlighted the ongoing coordination between UN humanitarian teams and interim President Delcy Rodríguez.
Speaking during the UN’s daily press briefing, spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said Guterres was deeply saddened by the loss of life and widespread destruction caused by the disaster.
“The Secretary-General is deeply distressed by the loss of life and the widespread devastation caused by the earthquakes that struck Venezuela yesterday. He extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured,” Dujarric stated.
Venezuela was struck on Wednesday by two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude. According to official figures, the disaster has left at least 164 people dead and 971 others injured.
Dujarric noted that preliminary reports indicate significant damage across several states, including the capital, Caracas. Numerous casualties have been reported, while other individuals remain trapped beneath collapsed structures or are still missing.
“Critical infrastructure has been damaged and essential services have been disrupted,” the spokesperson said.
The United Nations confirmed that its humanitarian team remains in close contact with interim President Delcy Rodríguez and other relevant authorities as emergency operations continue.
To support relief efforts, the UN has established a coordination center in Caracas and is assisting local authorities to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches affected communities as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Guterres also welcomed the expressions of solidarity and offers of assistance from countries around the world that responded following news of the disaster, underscoring the importance of international cooperation in addressing the humanitarian emergency.
International
OAS Secretary General Pledges Regional Assistance Following Venezuela Quake Disaster
The Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Albert Ramdin, said on Thursday that the “hemispheric community” stands ready to provide “full support” to Venezuela and its people following the powerful earthquakes that struck the country overnight, leaving at least 164 people dead and nearly 1,000 injured.
Speaking at the conclusion of the OAS General Assembly, Ramdin expressed solidarity not only with Venezuela but also with Colombia, Curaçao and Aruba, where the tremors were also felt.
“Above all, our thoughts are with these peoples,” he said during his remarks.
Ramdin noted that while many details about the disaster are still emerging, countries across the hemisphere are prepared to assist Venezuela as it responds to the crisis.
“Much remains unknown at this stage, but the hemispheric community will be ready to support the people of Venezuela during this very difficult time,” he stated, reiterating the organization’s commitment to helping those affected.
According to updated information released by the Venezuelan government, the powerful earthquakes have been followed by at least 30 aftershocks. Authorities have also reported extensive structural damage, including numerous building collapses in La Guaira, the area considered hardest hit by the disaster.
Rescue efforts are currently focused on La Guaira, where emergency teams continue searching for survivors trapped beneath the rubble as officials assess the full extent of the damage.
UN warns Venezuela earthquakes could affect up to 6.76 million people
United Nations Coordinates Relief Efforts as Venezuela Death Toll Rises After Twin Quakes
OAS Secretary General Pledges Regional Assistance Following Venezuela Quake Disaster
Tec de Monterrey honors one of its students for his contribution to nanotechnology in medicine
Defense Minister commends salvadoran soldier for Central American Cross Country victory
Extension of the state of emergency approved in southern Chile
-
International5 days agoCristiano Ronaldo Makes History as First Player to Score in Six World Cups
-
Central America3 days agoEl Salvador and Chile Mark 150 Years of Relations With Expanded Bilateral Cooperation
-
International3 days agoUnited Nations Coordinates Relief Efforts as Venezuela Death Toll Rises After Twin Quakes
-
International3 days agoWHO Expects Deadly Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship to End by July 2
-
International3 days agoOAS Secretary General Pledges Regional Assistance Following Venezuela Quake Disaster
-
International3 days agoBill Gates Says Jeffrey Epstein Made “Veiled” Threats Over Extramarital Affairs
-
International5 days agoU.S. Proposes Higher Citizenship Fees and Limits on Immigration Fee Waivers
-
Central America5 days agoCosta Rica Launches Largest Police Operation in History, Dismantles Major Drug Cartel
-
International15 hours agoUN warns Venezuela earthquakes could affect up to 6.76 million people