International
Colombia: Government and FARC-EP dissidents set up Dialogue Table
October 17 |
The Office of the High Commissioner for Peace reported on Monday that between the National Government and the Central General Staff of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia-People’s Army (FARC-EP) the Table for Peace Dialogues and Protection of the Civilian Population and Ceasefire, signed by President Gustavo Petro, was installed.
In this sense, President Gustavo Petro declared that he initiates the second peace process in Colombia after the process with the National Liberation Army (ELN): the process with the Central General Staff (EMC).
The decree signed by the president also declares a “bilateral and temporary national ceasefire with territorial impact based on an Agreement for the respect of civil society”.
In this sense, the decree also states that this measure is in force from October 17, 2023 until January 15, 2024.
“Consequently, the suspension of offensive military operations and special operations of the National Police against the members of the Central General Staff of the FARC-EP is ordered,” the decree stated.
On the other hand, the High Commissioner declared that “the work of the social, citizen and community oversight will be developed under the terms and conditions established in the corresponding protocol, agreed by the parties at the Peace Dialogue Table”.
“These will be three months to show the country and the international community that we have the maturity to face the difficulties, with the horizon that we can transform the conflict for political and social reasons and achieve the peace that all Colombians deserve”, said the High Commissioner.
The roundtable will be held in the Colombian departments where the dissidents have the greatest presence and where the civilian population has been most affected, such as Putumayo, Cauca, Arauca, Huila, Guayare, among others.
Likewise, the Commissioner refers that “the National Government, through the Special Programs Fund for Peace or other funds created for these purposes, will have the necessary resources for the implementation of the commitments and responsibilities derived from the present agreement.
This is the second bilateral ceasefire between both parties, after the suspension by the Government in May of the first one agreed upon, which was from January to June, however after an EMC front killed four indigenous minors it had recruited.
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
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