International
The president-elect of Panama, José Raúl Mulino, promises repatriation of migrants crossing the Darién
José Raúl Mulino promised during his proclamation act as president-elect of Panama repatriations for migrants crossing the Darién, the border jungle with Colombia. He will do it with international help and “respecting” human rights.
“Panama and our Darién is not a transit route. No, sir, that’s our border. The concept of closure that I have outlined implies a philosophical concept that is related to closing the border on the basis that we will start, with international help, a repatriation process with all respect for human rights,” Mulino said in his speech.
“So that those there and those who would like to come know that the one who arrives here will be returned to their country of origin,” he added.
The National Scrutiny Board made Mulino official as the new president for the period 2024 – 2029 and gave him the credentials during an event in Panama City.
However, the new Government officially begins on July 1, after a staggered transition process that will begin on June 3.
Panama has become the epicenter of an unprecedented migration crisis. So far this year, more than 130,000 people, mostly Venezuelans, have already passed through the Darién on their way to North America, a number that could exceed the historic figure of 520,000 migrants in 2023.
“Not only do we finish a cycle in the democratic life of our country, but we end that cycle peacefully. Everything is left behind as far as I’m concerned, everything that happened in this election that was unprecedented. Those facts and circumstances are unprecedented,” Mulino said.
And he added: “That for me is part of a memory that I don’t want anyone to live. I will make every effort within 5 years so that by this time the new president assumes power in a peaceful transfer in free elections.”
Mulino, a politician with a trajectory and a strong character, won the Presidency of Panama last Sunday with 34.2% of the votes, supported by the Realizing Goals (RM) and Alianza parties, according to 100% of the minutes already scrutinized.
He accidentally became a presidential candidate, two months before the elections, since he was the running mate of former President Ricardo Martinelli (2009 – 2014) until the former governor was politically disqualified after being sentenced to more than 10 years in prison for laundering. Case that led him to take asylum at the Embassy of Nicaragua in Panama.
Mulino, 64, acknowledged during his speech that the elections were “unique” and “unpublished”, with a high turnout (77.64%).
He applauded the triumph of the independent candidacies, led by young people who won 20 of the 71 seats in Parliament. Thus becoming the first force within the Legislature and displacing traditional parties to a second place.
He reiterated his intention to govern alongside the opposition, extending his hand to that independent bench.
“The most important thing is the message of Sunday, May 5, that the political renewal of the country began (…) the number of (independent) deputies in the National Assembly was impressive and I sent a clear message, that you have to do things right thinking that everything is final,” he said.
Mulino spoke of working for maximum economic efficiency: “there is no money to continue in the francachela that we came with the borrowed money.”
International
China calls for dialogue amid rising Iran-Israel conflict
The Chinese government emphasized on Monday the importance of “creating the conditions to return to the proper path of dialogue” between Iran and Israel, which have exchanged attacks in recent days resulting in more than 20 Israeli and over 220 Iranian deaths.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun expressed deep concern at a press conference over the Israeli attacks on Iran and the “sudden escalation” of the military conflict.
Guo called on all parties to “take immediate measures to ease tensions and prevent the region from descending into further turmoil,” stating that “force cannot bring lasting peace.”
“If the conflict between Israel and Iran continues to intensify or even expand, the countries of the Middle East will be the first to suffer the consequences,” he added, while noting that China “will continue to maintain communication with the relevant parties, promoting peace and dialogue.”
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke last Saturday with his Iranian and Israeli counterparts to condemn the Israeli airstrike on Iranian territory, which he described as a “violation of international law” with the potential to trigger “disastrous” consequences.
In both calls, Wang reiterated China’s rejection of the use of force, defended diplomacy as the only solution to the Iranian nuclear dispute, and offered China’s mediation to prevent further destabilization in the Middle East.
International
Suspect arrested in killing of Minnesota legislator and husband, governor Says
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced on Sunday the arrest of Vance Luther Boelter, 57, the main suspect in the killing of Democratic legislator Melissa Hortman and her husband in a Brooklyn Park suburb on Friday night.
Boelter, who also reportedly shot State Senator John Hoffman and his wife early Saturday morning, was apprehended in Sibley County following an intensive manhunt involving hundreds of law enforcement officers.
In a public statement, Governor Walz condemned Boelter’s “unthinkable actions,” which resulted in the death of a woman who “shaped the core of who we are as a state.”
“We cannot become numb to this. We are a deeply divided nation,” Walz said in a statement posted on his X account.
“We move forward not with hatred or violence, but with humility, grace, and civility,” he added.
Expressing solidarity with the victims’ families, Walz said the entire state of Minnesota is in mourning. He also thanked law enforcement for their bravery and professionalism: “They have saved lives,” he emphasized.
“As we heal, we will not let fear win,” Walz concluded. “We must honor Melissa by moving forward with understanding, service, and above all, humanity.”
Throughout Sunday, police and sheriff units searched a rural area in Minnesota for Vance Luther Boelter, a security company director and preacher who, according to Governor Walz, acted out of politically motivated violence.
International
40,000 tourists stranded in Israel amid airspace shutdown over Iran conflict
Approximately 40,000 tourists are stranded in Israel following the closure of the country’s airspace amid escalating hostilities with Iran, the Israeli Ministry of Tourism reported on Monday.
The ministry has set up a virtual office to provide information via email (virtual@goisrael.gov.il) and phone (+972-53-583-5808), as well as a Facebook page called Israel Virtual Tourist Office.
Israeli Tourism Minister Haim Katz is in contact with hotels and accommodations across the country to offer support to tourists in need, the ministry added.
Many stranded travelers are considering crossing overland into Jordan or Egypt to seek flights from those countries. The Israel Airports Authority reminded the public that land border crossings remain open.
Three German tourists stranded in Jerusalem told EFE today that they have not received any assistance from their country’s embassy in Israel, and their primary option currently is to cross into Jordan to catch a flight from there.
Since early Friday morning, Israel launched operations against Iran, targeting military personnel and infrastructure, including energy and nuclear facilities, as well as numerous residential areas in Tehran.
In response, Iran has fired hundreds of ballistic missiles at Israel, some of which have struck various locations across the country, leaving at least 24 dead so far, according to Israeli authorities.
Iranian health officials report at least 224 deaths, mostly civilians, including at least 17 senior military officials—nine from the Revolutionary Guard—and more than a dozen nuclear scientists.
The Israeli military has warned that many more “targets” remain, while Iran’s Revolutionary Guard declared on Monday that it will continue missile attacks against Israel until its “destruction.”
China calls for dialogue amid rising Iran-Israel conflict
Suspect arrested in killing of Minnesota legislator and husband, governor Says
40,000 tourists stranded in Israel amid airspace shutdown over Iran conflict
Tec de Monterrey honors one of its students for his contribution to nanotechnology in medicine
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