International

Accident leaves several people dead on Venezuela highway

Photo: @Vgrpc_MIJP

December 14 |

Venezuela’s Vice Minister for Risk Management and Civil Protection, Carlos Perez, reported Wednesday on a multiple road accident that left at least eight dead and more than ten injured on the Gran Mariscal de Ayacucho highway, which connects Caracas (capital) with the northeastern region of the country.

Through his account on the social network X (formerly Twitter), Pérez indicated that the accident, which occurred in the morning hours, was caused by the collision of a cargo transport against several vehicles, being reported “eight dead, 14 injured and 17 vehicles involved”.

He also stated that the National Risk Management System attended the multiple collision that also caused a fire. Later, through the X account of the Vice-Ministry for Risk Management and Civil Protection, it was reported that the number of injured increased to 17.

“At Km 6, Araguaney sector, Caracas – Guarenas direction, going down, there a first simple collision was registered, without injuries; a public transport with three vehicles and a security device is made to attend the incident; by the time a heavy load transport does not realize this uprising and is the one that impacts generating this chaos”, explained the Vice-Minister.

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He also specified that the fuel spill due to the impact of the heavy vehicle “generated the fire in one of the vehicles and spread to the others”.

For his part, the governor of Miranda State, Héctor Rodríguez, indicated that the fire was controlled and that the emergency teams are working for the prompt reactivation of traffic.

“The injured are being treated in the health centers. All our support and solidarity goes to the relatives of the victims of this tragedy”, he expressed.

International

US panel backs Trump-themed coin amid controversy

The United States Department of the Treasury confirmed to AFP that the Commission of Fine Arts approved the design of a new collectible coin featuring Donald Trump, with members of the commission appointed by the current administration.

According to the proposal, the coin will feature an image of Trump standing with clenched fists over a desk on the obverse, while the reverse will display an eagle, a traditional symbol of the United States.

The sale price of the collectible has not yet been disclosed, although the United States Mint typically offers similar items for more than $1,000.

“There is no more iconic portrait for the front of these coins than that of our president Donald Trump,” U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach said in a statement sent to AFP. He added that two additional coins — a $1 piece and a one-ounce gold coin — are also under consideration.

However, the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC), another body responsible for reviewing new coin proposals, declined to discuss the Trump design in late February.

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“Only nations governed by kings or dictators place the image of a sitting leader on their currency,” said Donald Scarinciat the time. “No country in the world has minted coins featuring a democratically elected leader during their term in office,” he added.

When contacted by AFP, the Treasury Department did not immediately respond to requests for further comment.

International

Fed’s Waller warns of rising inflation risks amid Middle East conflict

Christopher Waller, a governor at the Federal Reserve, said Friday that he is increasingly concerned about the inflationary impact of the ongoing conflict involving United States and Israel against Iran, particularly due to the prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Waller, who had supported interest rate cuts over the past year amid concerns about the labor market, said he has shifted his stance in recent weeks due to rising inflation risks.

“Since the Strait of Hormuz was closed, it suggests this conflict could be much more prolonged and that oil prices will remain elevated for longer,” Waller said in an interview with CNBC.

“Therefore, this indicates that inflation is a greater concern than I had previously assessed,” he added.

Waller also backed the Federal Reserve’s decision earlier this week to keep interest rates unchanged, signaling a more cautious approach as global geopolitical tensions continue to affect economic outlooks.

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International

Brazil offers to mediate Colombia-Ecuador tensions, calls for restraint

The government of Brazil has offered to mediate in the ongoing tensions between Colombia and Ecuador, while calling on both nations to exercise restraint.

In a statement released Wednesday, Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged the parties involved to act with moderation and seek a peaceful resolution to the dispute.

“Brazil encourages all sides to act with moderation in order to find a peaceful solution to the controversy. It stands ready to support dialogue efforts aimed at preserving peace and security in the region,” the statement said.

Brazil also expressed “serious concern” over reports of deaths in the border area between Colombia and Ecuador, noting that the circumstances surrounding the incidents have not yet been clarified.

The diplomatic move comes amid rising tensions between the neighboring countries, increasing regional concern over stability and security along their shared border.