International
González Urrutia predicts an “overwhelming” opposition victory in the Venezuelan elections
The candidate of the largest opposition coalition in Venezuela, Edmundo González Urrutia, anticipated this Monday an “overwheating victory” for the formation he flags, the Democratic Unitary Platform (PUD), in the elections on July 28, since – he said – the polls give him “a wide advantage” very “difficult” to reach for the other candidates for the Presidency.
“We trust in our victory, which can be an overwhelming victory. (…) And that opens up a new political reality and the Government will have to compromise (…), because there are sectors within the ruling party that are not willing to recognize an eventual defeat,” the candidate said in an interview with the national channel Televen.
Likewise, González Urrutia reiterated that, if he wins the Presidency, he will promote a “Government for all,” in which “sectors that at the time felt identified with the political process (in reference to Chavismo) and that are now disappointed” will be included.
The candidate did not rule out the creation of “spaces for dialogue,” which will result in the resignation of President Nicolás Maduro before the end of his term, in January 2025, or the transfer of power.
“I do not rule out what has happened elsewhere, as happened in Argentina in the 80s, when the president (Raúl) Alfonsín cut his mandate and transferred power to (Carlos) Menem. That can be part of some conversations,” said the candidate of the Democratic United Platform (PUD).
In the face of possible conversations with the military sector, which has traditionally supported Chavismo, he said that “the military must return to their space” and “enforce the Constitution,” especially article 328, which states that its function “is at the exclusive service of the Nation and in no case that of any person or political bias.”
González Urrutia said that he is “very sure” that he will get a victory on July 28, when 21,620,705 Venezuelans are called to vote, who will choose from 10 candidates, including Maduro, who is looking for his re-election.
International
U.S. to Limit Visa Duration for Foreign Students and Journalists
The United States has announced new limits on the legal length of stay for foreign students and journalists, marking the latest tightening of immigration policies under President Donald Trump.
The changes, outlined in an administrative rule published on Thursday, are expected to take effect in September, unless Congress blocks the measure.
Under the new policy, holders of student visas will be allowed to remain in the United States for no more than four years.
Foreign journalists will be limited to 240-day stays—approximately eight months—with the possibility of applying for extensions of the same duration.
The policy imposes even stricter rules on Chinese journalists, whose visas will be capped at 90 days.
More than 100 international news organizations and press freedom groups, including Agence France-Presse (AFP), criticized the measure in an open letter, arguing that it would reduce both the quantity and quality of international coverage of events in the United States.
The Republican Party, led by President Trump, currently holds a majority in Congress and has pledged to curb both illegal immigration and certain forms of legal immigration.
Previously, the United States generally issued student visas for the full duration of an academic program, while foreign journalists could receive visas valid for up to five years.
Central America
Nicaragua Cuts Diplomatic Ties With Italy Over Red Brigades Dispute
The Nicaraguan government announced on Thursday that it is severing diplomatic relations with Italy following criticism from the Italian government over Nicaragua’s long-standing decision to shelter Alessio Casimirri, a former member of the Red Brigades convicted in Italy for the 1978 kidnapping and murder of former Prime Minister Aldo Moro.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani criticized the administration of co-presidents Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo on Wednesday for continuing to provide refuge to Casimirri, who was sentenced in Italy to six life terms for his role in Moro’s abduction and killing.
In a statement issued Thursday, Nicaragua’s Foreign Ministry said it was ending all diplomatic relations with Italy, describing Tajani’s remarks as “unjustified, aggressive, and irresponsible.”
Tajani made the comments during a gathering of conservative leaders from Europe and Latin America held in Madrid.
“We have absolutely nothing in common with the positions of extremist governments such as Nicaragua, a country that continues to harbor dangerous Red Brigades terrorists like Alessio Casimirri,” Tajani said, according to Italian media.
The diplomatic break marks a new escalation in tensions between the two countries over the decades-old case involving Casimirri, who has lived in Nicaragua for many years despite repeated calls from Italy for his extradition.
International
U.S. Strikes Hit Areas Near Strait of Hormuz as Tensions With Iran Escalate
Several U.S. strikes targeted areas near the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, according to Iranian state media citing local authorities, as hostilities between the United States and Iran intensified.
Officials in Iran’s Hormozgan Province said the island of Qeshm was struck multiple times by what they described as U.S. missiles during the evening. The reports were carried by the Iranian news agencies Fars and Tasnim.
Iranian state television also reported that the Bandar Abbas region, located on the Iranian coast overlooking the Strait of Hormuz, was the target of what authorities described as an “enemy U.S. air attack.”
According to local officials quoted by state television, no casualties have been reported following the strikes.
The reported attacks come amid renewed military tensions between Washington and Tehran, although U.S. authorities had not immediately commented on the reported operations.
U.S. to Limit Visa Duration for Foreign Students and Journalists
Nicaragua Cuts Diplomatic Ties With Italy Over Red Brigades Dispute
U.S. Strikes Hit Areas Near Strait of Hormuz as Tensions With Iran Escalate
Tec de Monterrey honors one of its students for his contribution to nanotechnology in medicine
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Extension of the state of emergency approved in southern Chile
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