International
Fifth cycle of peace talks between the Colombian Government and the ELN come to an end
December 18 |
The fifth cycle of peace talks between the Government of Colombia and the National Liberation Army (ELN) concluded this Sunday in Mexico City with six agreements that reinforce the willingness of the two parties to move forward in the negotiations, which began last year.
Of the agreements, the first is a reaffirmation of the agreement reached here in Mexico last March. Two, the suspension of withholdings for economic purposes as part of the extension of the ceasefire that ends in January and will now be extended.
Three, the creation of conditions for the extension of the ceasefire, a verification mechanism and measures against the actions of paramilitary forces and armed groups. Four, the creation of economic and financial conditions to materialize the Mexico agreement.
Five, the resumption of the process of participation of society to be designed in April of next year. Six, the creation of eight critical zones of humanitarian action. It was announced that the sixth cycle of dialogues will be held in Cuba on January 22.
The head of the government delegation, Vera Grabe, also announced that other agreements are the extension of the ceasefire, the creation of an observatory to work on the issue of paramilitarism, the consolidation of 8 peace zones, humanitarian actions for ELN political prisoners and the provision of information on people in captivity.
For his part, the head of the ELN delegation, alias Pablo Beltrán, affirmed that the guerrillas and the Colombian government are pursuing the same goal: peace.
“We are partners, we are responsible for building that mandate,” he stressed at the same event.
For this reason, he affirmed that the Peace Dialogues are a contribution to change the culture of confrontation and to seek conciliation in the South American country.
However, he pointed out that it is difficult to advance in the construction of peace when there are media wars and progress is forgotten, focusing only on conflicts and tensions.
“We delegations express our recognition and gratitude to the people and government of the United Mexican States, for their support to this process and for having hosted the V Cycle of Dialogues for Peace,” both delegations indicated after the closing ceremony of the event.
They also thanked Cuba for its support to this process and announced that the country will host the VI Cycle starting on January 22, 2024 and that it will facilitate the Inter-Cycle Contact Point of the Dialogue Table.
The text of the agreements was read in a ceremony attended by senior Colombian government officials, leaders of the ELN mission, guests from the group of guarantor countries, representatives of the United Nations and the Colombian Catholic Church, among others.
The guarantor countries are represented by Brazil, Cuba, Chile, Mexico, Norway and Venezuela, the permanent accompaniers are the Colombian Episcopal Conference and the UN Secretary General, in addition to the Group of Accompanying, Support and Cooperation Countries (GPAAC), made up of Germany, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
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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