International
Bolivia rejects U.S. criticism of its anti-drug efforts
September 18 |
The former president of Bolivia, Evo Morales, and the current Minister of Government of that nation, Eduardo Del Castillo, among others, rejected in recent hours a report prepared by the Government of the United States (US), through which disapproves the anti-drug policy of the Latin American nation.
In statements to a local radio station on Sunday, Morales described the report as “political, contradictory and double standards”. He pointed out that the U.S. “is the country that has one of the highest rates of drug consumption and overdose deaths in the world”.
He called attention to the fact that Washington has always decertified peoples like Bolivia and Venezuela because they are free and dignified, and do not submit to its impositions, he said.
For his part, Del Castillo denounced the day before through his social networks that the report was prepared unilaterally, lacks technical support and has clear geopolitical intentions.
He questioned that the White House report is contrary to international treaties on territorial integrity, sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs of other States.
He affirmed that La Paz only recognizes the International Narcotics Control Board of the United Nations as a qualified international authority to issue an opinion on the subject.
In this regard, he urged Washington not to assume powers that do not correspond to it and to address the “excessive consumption of illicit drugs” among its population, “which causes an uncontrolled increase in international demand for drugs,” he said.
He stressed that Bolivia’s actions in this area have led to a record number of drug seizures, as well as the destruction of clandestine airstrips and illegal laboratories used to process these substances.
He recalled that La Paz is part of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs and that its work has been recognized by the European Union and other Latin American countries.
Jaime Mamani, Vice-Minister of Social Defense and Controlled Substances, joined the Bolivian Government’s questioning and declared to local media that the document issued by the U.S. is “unilateral, biased and political”. He added that it has no value for Bolivia.
On Friday, President Joe Biden sent to Congress the U.S. Government’s Decertification Memorandum, which disapproves for the sixteenth consecutive time the Andean country’s and Venezuela’s fight in this area.
International
20th Festival Salvadoreñísimo brings together thousands of salvadorans in Houston
Parades, baton twirlers, and a mix of Salvadoran and international music set the tone for the 20th edition of the Festival Salvadoreñísimo, held in Houston, Texas, with Tony Villatoro once again leading the organization.
This year, the highly anticipated event moved to a new venue: The Crown Festival Park in Sugar Land, Fort Bend County, within the “space city.” Despite the scorching sun of the open-air setting, spirits remained high, and a brief drizzle later brought relief and renewed energy to the celebration.
More than 5,000 Salvadorans gathered at the park, joining with Guatemalans, Hondurans, and even Mexicans to commemorate 204 years of independence for El Salvador and Central America. The festival was marked by a family-friendly atmosphere, where traditional foods such as pupusas, panes con gallina, pastelitos, and horchata could not be missed.
“Twenty years with this festival, and I am very grateful to the Salvadoran community that always shows up. Thanks to them, the sponsors, and to Diario El Salvador for supporting us since the beginning,” said Tony Villatoro, as more compatriots continued arriving to the celebration.
“I am satisfied. I didn’t expect this level of attendance, especially since we were trying a new outdoor venue with some challenges, but we made it through successfully,” Villatoro added.
The Festival Salvadoreñísimo, now a two-decade-long tradition, once again took place as part of Hispanic Heritage Month, a time when independence festivities run from mid-September through October.
International
El Salvador unveils 2025-2029 National Reintegration Plan for returned migrants
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched the National Reintegration Plan for Returned Salvadorans 2025-2029, a strategy designed to create greater opportunities, ensure access to quality services, and provide a favorable environment for Salvadorans returning to their home country to rebuild their lives.
The initiative is supported by the United Nations Network on Migration, coordinated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), financed by the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), and backed by the Inter-American Development Bank’s (IDB) Migration Unit.
During the presentation, Vice Minister of Diaspora and Human Mobility Cindy Mariella Portal emphasized that migrants often face multiple challenges upon returning to their communities.
“That is why we are implementing actions that generate real and sustainable opportunities for these individuals,” she stated.
International
Authorities capture CJNG financial chief in international airport operation
A man identified as the main financial operator of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) was arrested Thursday at Mexico City’s international airport, authorities reported.
The individual, named by Mexican media as Óscar Antonio Álvarez, was apprehended during an operation involving the army, navy, National Guard, police, and the attorney general’s office, according to a joint statement.
Álvarez is considered the primary financial operator of a criminal group originating in Jalisco, and the capture took place at Benito Juárez Airport as he arrived on a flight from Barcelona, Spain.
Authorities stated that Álvarez faces charges of organized crime and money laundering, specifically for receiving and transferring illicit funds. His work with the CJNG reportedly included purchasing properties and managing businesses in the tequila and livestock sectors.
According to El Universal, Álvarez was directly under the command of Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, “El Mencho”, the cartel’s top leader, for whom the U.S. offers a $15 million reward.
The CJNG, which operates throughout Mexico and in various parts of the world, was designated earlier this year as a “foreign terrorist organization” by the U.S. government.
Álvarez was handed over to the federal public prosecutor to determine his legal situation, the report added.
20th Festival Salvadoreñísimo brings together thousands of salvadorans in Houston
El Salvador unveils 2025-2029 National Reintegration Plan for returned migrants
22-Year-Old Suspect Arrested After 33-Hour Manhunt in Small Western U.S. Town
Tec de Monterrey honors one of its students for his contribution to nanotechnology in medicine
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