International
Maduro participates in CELAC summit in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro arrived in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines on Friday to attend the VIII summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC).
His presence at the summit had not been confirmed by the Venezuelan government, leading to some uncertainty about his travel, although authorities in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines did confirm it.
“Venezuela is part of a new world, more humane, supportive, and united based on cooperation among Latin American and Caribbean peoples, to make a better future possible, consolidating true regional integration,” Maduro wrote on the social media platform X upon his arrival in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
The Venezuelan president landed at around 8:00 local time (12:00 GMT) at the Argyle International Airport and is accompanied by his wife, Cilia Flores.
According to the Brazilian presidency, he will hold a bilateral meeting with his Brazilian counterpart, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, which has generated much interest.
Brazilian diplomacy is working behind the scenes to try to collaborate in holding “democratic, free, and transparent” elections later this year in Venezuela.
However, no significant progress or announcement regarding Venezuela’s border dispute with Guyana is expected, as stated by the Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves, to EFE.
Gonsalves, who acts as an intermediary between the two countries, stated that the situation is “stable,” although “differences” over the Essequibo territory, administered by Guyana but claimed by Venezuela, still persist.
Maduro and Ali were already in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines last December, when they held an important meeting to de-escalate tensions, which had raised fears of a conflict.
Other Latin American presidents attending the summit include Colombia’s Gustavo Petro, Cuba’s Miguel Díaz-Canel, Bolivia’s Luis Arce, and Honduras’ Xiomara Castro, who will assume the pro tempore presidency of CELAC in 2024 following the summit.
Numerous Caribbean leaders are also participating, including Suriname’s President Chandrikapersad Santokhi and Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Mottley.
International
UN warns Venezuela earthquakes could affect up to 6.76 million people
Up to 6.76 million people could be affected by the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24, according to an assessment released by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), a United Nations agency.
The organization said the projections are based on available population data and damage assessments, and include up to two million people living in Caracas, the country’s capital.
The estimates highlight the potentially massive humanitarian impact of the disaster, the IOM warned.
Entire buildings collapsed in La Guaira, a coastal area north of Caracas, following the powerful twin earthquakes that reached magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5 on Wednesday.
The national death toll has risen to 920, while rescue teams continue searching for people trapped beneath the rubble in coastal regions and other affected areas.
UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher told AFP on Friday that more than 50,000 people were reported missing.
The IOM also revealed that it worked with Microsoft’s artificial intelligence laboratory on an initial satellite mapping analysis, which showed that 31.5% of buildings in the town of Catia La Mar had suffered damage.
Authorities and international rescue teams continue operations as Venezuela faces one of its largest humanitarian emergencies in recent years.
International
United Nations Coordinates Relief Efforts as Venezuela Death Toll Rises After Twin Quakes
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Thursday expressed his condolences to the people of Venezuela following the two devastating earthquakes that struck the country and highlighted the ongoing coordination between UN humanitarian teams and interim President Delcy Rodríguez.
Speaking during the UN’s daily press briefing, spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said Guterres was deeply saddened by the loss of life and widespread destruction caused by the disaster.
“The Secretary-General is deeply distressed by the loss of life and the widespread devastation caused by the earthquakes that struck Venezuela yesterday. He extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured,” Dujarric stated.
Venezuela was struck on Wednesday by two powerful earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 in magnitude. According to official figures, the disaster has left at least 164 people dead and 971 others injured.
Dujarric noted that preliminary reports indicate significant damage across several states, including the capital, Caracas. Numerous casualties have been reported, while other individuals remain trapped beneath collapsed structures or are still missing.
“Critical infrastructure has been damaged and essential services have been disrupted,” the spokesperson said.
The United Nations confirmed that its humanitarian team remains in close contact with interim President Delcy Rodríguez and other relevant authorities as emergency operations continue.
To support relief efforts, the UN has established a coordination center in Caracas and is assisting local authorities to ensure that humanitarian aid reaches affected communities as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Guterres also welcomed the expressions of solidarity and offers of assistance from countries around the world that responded following news of the disaster, underscoring the importance of international cooperation in addressing the humanitarian emergency.
International
OAS Secretary General Pledges Regional Assistance Following Venezuela Quake Disaster
The Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Albert Ramdin, said on Thursday that the “hemispheric community” stands ready to provide “full support” to Venezuela and its people following the powerful earthquakes that struck the country overnight, leaving at least 164 people dead and nearly 1,000 injured.
Speaking at the conclusion of the OAS General Assembly, Ramdin expressed solidarity not only with Venezuela but also with Colombia, Curaçao and Aruba, where the tremors were also felt.
“Above all, our thoughts are with these peoples,” he said during his remarks.
Ramdin noted that while many details about the disaster are still emerging, countries across the hemisphere are prepared to assist Venezuela as it responds to the crisis.
“Much remains unknown at this stage, but the hemispheric community will be ready to support the people of Venezuela during this very difficult time,” he stated, reiterating the organization’s commitment to helping those affected.
According to updated information released by the Venezuelan government, the powerful earthquakes have been followed by at least 30 aftershocks. Authorities have also reported extensive structural damage, including numerous building collapses in La Guaira, the area considered hardest hit by the disaster.
Rescue efforts are currently focused on La Guaira, where emergency teams continue searching for survivors trapped beneath the rubble as officials assess the full extent of the damage.
UN warns Venezuela earthquakes could affect up to 6.76 million people
United Nations Coordinates Relief Efforts as Venezuela Death Toll Rises After Twin Quakes
OAS Secretary General Pledges Regional Assistance Following Venezuela Quake Disaster
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