International
Maduro rejects Panama’s offer of asylum and US guarantees in the midst of the crisis after the elections
The president of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, rejected the asylum proposal of his counterpart from Panama, José Raúl Mulino, as well as the guarantees of the United States to solve the crisis after the presidential elections, whose official result ratified the Venezuelan president as the winner, an announcement that the largest opposition coalition considers fraudulent.
Through the state channel VTV, Maduro asked the president of Panama to govern his country and not pretend to do so in Venezuela, while he demanded respect from the United States.
“That the United States (…) is willing to give me anything, I am happy (…) I would ask him for respect for Venezuelan democracy; second wish, respect for the independence and stability of Venezuela; third wish, that we reach an agreement of understanding for 50 years where they stay where they are and let Venezuela be calm,” the president said.
On the other hand, Maduro said that Mulino sent him a message, after assuming the mandate, to “count on him” and to promise that relations between Venezuela and Panama would be resumed, but then the head of the U.S. Southern Command “visited him”, and after a meeting,” Maduro continued – “he left agitated” to convene a summit to deal with the post-election crisis in the Caribbean country.
“Unanimously, Latin America and the Caribbean said (to Mulino): ‘Who are you, compadre? You were wrong, you don’t have the power to convene a summit,” said the Venezuelan president.
However, last Thursday, Mulino reported that between six and seven presidents confirmed attendance at this meeting, while raising the possibility of it being done next week, when several leaders are going to coincide in the Dominican Republic in the swearing-in of Luis Abinader as re-elected president.
Maduro warned Mulino that “whoever messes with Venezuela dries up” and “goes badly,” after the president of Panama proposed the summit to “rehearse more actions that support the democracy and popular will” of the Caribbean country.
Both Panama and the United States do not recognize the results announced by the Venezuelan electoral body and said that the winner of the presidential elections is the standard-bearer of the largest opposition coalition, Edmundo González Urrutia, who gathered “83.5%” of the electoral records that – he assures – demonstrate his triumph, something that Maduro considers as “forged documents.”
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.
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.
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.
Air Canada suspends JFK flights amid soaring fuel costs linked to Iran conflict
Panama and OECD sign deal to boost investment climate and global integration
UK braces for potential CO₂ shortage amid Middle East tensions
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Defense Minister commends salvadoran soldier for Central American Cross Country victory
Extension of the state of emergency approved in southern Chile
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