International
Von der Leyen asks Zelensky for explanations for the reform on anti-corruption agencies
The European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice and the Rule of Law, Michael McGrath, said on Wednesday that the president of the European Commission (EC), Ursula von der Leyen, has asked Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenski, for explanations for the controversial reform that places Ukrainian anti-corruption agencies under the control of the State prosecutor’s office.
“Von der Leyen conveyed (to Zelenski) her deep concern and asked for explanations,” McGrath said during a press conference after an informal meeting of the Council of Ministers of Justice of the European Union (EU) in Copenhagen.
The National Anti-Corruption Office (NABU) and the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAP) are “pillars” of the rule of law in Ukraine, “crucial” for the reform agenda in that country, and must maintain their independence to be effective in their task and preserve the confidence of the population, the commissioner said.
The standards that the EC demands from EU countries and candidates for access must be “consistent”, he remarked, despite the circumstances in which Ukraine finds itself.
In addition, McGrath stressed that the approach of the accession process involves first meeting the fundamental requirements and that the path to EU entry begins with a commitment to democracy, the rule of law and a strong anti-corruption regime.
“We do not want to see a setback in the progress made by Ukraine with hard work over the past few years,” said the commissioner, who described it as “very worrying” that the two agencies may be subordinate to the attorney general, who is appointed by the president’s office.
“We expect Ukraine to fully comply with (European) standards,” said the commissioner, according to whom there can be no “commitment” in this regard.
Many NGOs denounced the passage as a process of erosion of the mechanisms of control of the Executive.
Several European ministers, including those from Germany and Sweden, have also expressed concern about the measure, which removes independence from Ukraine’s anti-corruption agencies.
Hundreds of Ukrainians took to the streets again in Kiev and other cities across the country on the second day of protests against a law approved on Tuesday by Parliament and later initialed by Zelenski that gives power to the attorney general appointed by the Executive over two anti-corruption agencies and thus deplens their independence.
Images broadcast live on Ukrainian public television show citizens, especially young people, who concentrate in squares and streets throughout Ukraine, shout slogans against corruption and abuses of power and show banners demanding Zelenski to repeal the law.
In his evening address to the nation on Wednesday, Zelenski stated that he is listening to the message he receives from the street and announced that he will propose to Parliament a bill to preserve the powers of investigative agencies while eliminating Russian influence in these structures.
Previously, Zelenski had announced that he will present a plan to fight corruption within two weeks.
The need to remove Russian influence is the reason invoked by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) to justify the dozens of raids against detectives of the National Anti-Corruption Office of Ukraine (NABU) carried out this Monday, which were interpreted by the NABU itself and by much of civil society as an attack on the institution.
Ukraine’s main international partners have expressed concern about both the legal reform and the SBU operation, in which two senior NABU officials were arrested for alleged collaboration with Russia.
International
Chevron cleared to pump oil in Venezuela again, but Maduro won’t see the profits
The U.S. government restored Chevron’s operations in Venezuela on Thursday, though under certain restrictions. The move marks a significant shift from the hardline pressure strategy adopted earlier this year by President Donald Trump’s administration against Nicolás Maduro’s regime.
The decision comes just days after both governments negotiated a prisoner and detainee swap: Caracas released 10 U.S. citizens, while Washington authorized the return of 252 deported migrants detained in El Salvador.
Although full details of the agreement remain undisclosed, U.S. officials confirmed that Maduro’s administration will not financially benefit from the oil sales. The key condition of the deal ensures that no royalties or taxes will flow to the socialist leader’s government.
The announcement had an immediate impact on the market. Oil futures pared earlier gains after news broke, reflecting concerns that increased supply could pressure prices in an already fragile market. Meanwhile, Venezuela’s defaulted sovereign bonds extended recent gains, boosted by optimism surrounding Washington’s softer stance.
The new license allows the Houston-based energy giant to resume production in Venezuela, following a previous order in May to scale down operations. This could help inject much-needed U.S. dollars into Venezuela’s struggling economy.
Supporters of Chevron’s return argued that without U.S. involvement, Venezuelan oil would largely benefit China. Oil prices and American leadership in energy production also weighed heavily on Trump’s decision. However, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, a long-time opponent of commercial engagement with Caracas, could still attempt to block or limit the scope of the new authorization.
It is still unclear whether similar concessions will be granted to Italian oil major Eni or Spain’s Repsol, which have requested U.S. approval to swap fuel for Venezuelan crude.
“Chevron conducts its business globally in compliance with applicable laws and regulations governing its operations, as well as U.S. sanctions frameworks, including in Venezuela,” said Chevron spokesperson Bill Turenne in a statement.
The U.S. had previously revoked Chevron’s license earlier this year as part of Trump’s pressure campaign on Maduro. Now, the reinstatement could mark a critical turning point—reintroducing a vital American oil presence in Venezuela and delivering much-needed cash flow to an economy in deep decline.
Chevron remains the only major U.S. oil company still operating in Venezuela, underscoring its strategic importance for both nations.
International
Claudia Sheinbaum condemns Gaza famine and urges peace between Israel and Palestine
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum condemned on Friday the growing famine in Gaza and issued a call for peace between the State of Israel and the State of Palestine.
“Of course, we condemn what is happening right now (in Gaza), and Mexico is putting all its words and actions toward building peace between these two states,” the president stated during her daily press conference.
She also stressed that in “all international forums” and before Mexico’s representation at the United Nations, her administration has “publicly” voiced its appeal for peace between both territories.
President Sheinbaum is among the international leaders who have recognized both the Palestinian State and the State of Israel, while reiterating the urgent need to find a peaceful resolution in light of U.S. interventions in Gaza.
Her condemnation joins others from Latin America, including Chilean President Gabriel Boric, who called for an end to what he referred to as the “Palestinian genocide,” and the Government of Uruguay, which issued an “urgent” appeal for Israel to allow the entry of humanitarian aid through the United Nations to address the “widespread famine” in Gaza.
Since the beginning of its military offensive against Gaza on October 7, 2023, Israel has severely restricted the entry of food, medicine, and fuel, triggering an unprecedented humanitarian crisis.
The situation worsened in March when the Israeli army completely blocked aid deliveries until the end of May.
International
Lutnick: TikTok will ‘go dark’ without agreement to sever chinese ties
U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick warned on Thursday that TikTok “will go dark” if no agreement is reached with Chinese authorities by September 17 regarding the creation of a new company to operate the app in the United States, as required by the Trump administration.
In an interview with CNBC, Lutnick reiterated that Washington’s proposal allows ByteDance—the Chinese parent company of TikTok—to retain a “small stake” in the newly created U.S.-based entity, which is necessary for the app to remain accessible to American users.
For national security reasons, the U.S. government insists that TikTok must be operated by an entity entirely separate from its Chinese parent.
“If the Chinese don’t approve it, TikTok will go dark,” Lutnick warned, referring to the deadline set by Washington back in April. He emphasized, “The deal is in their hands now.”
Chevron cleared to pump oil in Venezuela again, but Maduro won’t see the profits
Claudia Sheinbaum condemns Gaza famine and urges peace between Israel and Palestine
Intel to close Costa Rica plant, move chip operations to Asia for greater efficiency
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
-
Central America4 days agoVenezuela probes alleged torture of repatriated migrants held in salvadoran mega-prison
-
Central America4 days agoNicaraguan opposition presses EU during Costa Rica dialogue on democracy crisis
-
Central America4 days agoGuatemalan and mexican presidents to meet in august to deepen cross-border cooperation
-
Central America3 days agoPanama posts higher economic growth amid strength in canal and banking sectors
-
International4 days agoJoe Biden faces health battle as cancer diagnosis follows political exit
-
International4 days agoCristian González Ardila detained over attempted attack on colombian senator Miguel Uribe
-
International2 days agoIsrael attributes the attack on the only Catholic church in Gaza to an “involuntary diversion” of ammunition
-
International4 days agoTrump slams federal judge over Harvard lawsuit, vows immediate appeal
-
International4 days agoUN Chief: Gaza’s humanitarian systems are collapsing under israeli blockade
-
International4 days agoEcuador extradites drug lord ‘Fito’ to U.S., declares blow to criminal Mafias
-
Internacionales2 days agoThe United States opens an investigation into Harvard for its sponsorship of international visas
-
International2 days agoIsrael kills a pregnant journalist and 9 members of her family in a bombing
-
International2 days agoIsrael will limit visas for the UN humanitarian agency (OCHA) to just one month
-
International3 days agoMaría Corina Machado denounces new wave of repression in Venezuela
-
International2 days agoMore than 200 deaths from the rains in Pakistan, which will continue at least until Friday
-
International2 days agoHamas calls for global mobilizations since Friday against the famine in Gaza
-
International1 day ago
Global media outlets urge Israel to allow press access to Gaza amid growing hunger crisis
-
Central America1 day agoEl Salvador reaffirms housing as a human right at UN high-level dialogue
-
International1 day agoLutnick: TikTok will ‘go dark’ without agreement to sever chinese ties
-
Central America1 day agoIntel to close Costa Rica plant, move chip operations to Asia for greater efficiency
-
International14 hours agoChevron cleared to pump oil in Venezuela again, but Maduro won’t see the profits
-
International14 hours agoClaudia Sheinbaum condemns Gaza famine and urges peace between Israel and Palestine
-
International2 days agoAn anti-Revista candidate sees “desperation” as his biggest rival in the municipal elections