International
“The Chilean government is more continuous than you think,” says its Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren
The Chilean Foreign Minister, Alberto van Klaveren, acknowledges in an interview with EFE that his Government, and especially President Gabriel Boric, have better approval outside than inside Chile and says that the progressive president leads a project with “much more continuity than is sometimes thought.”
For the 75-year-old diplomat, and a member of the most veteran and moderate wing of the Executive, Boric embodies a “new progressivism,” “with generational elements.” But it relies on “the management of previous progressive governments.”
“President Boric himself recognizes it. I am thinking about the relationship he has with former Presidents Bachelet and Lagos… There is much more continuity than is sometimes thought,” says Van Klaveren, who has been in office for a year.
Former ambassador and former Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs, Van Klaveren leads the Foreign Ministry at a complex time for global geopolitics, but admits that he receives less criticism from the opposition and citizens than other portfolios because Chilean foreign policy is assumed as a “state question.”
“I am struck by the contrast between the external image, not only of the president, but of Chile and his Government, and the internal image,” he adds.
On the eve of the International Press Freedom Day, which this year Unesco commemorates in Chile with a major event, the chancellor affirms that he is concerned about global disinformation campaigns, “driven by very dark sectors, linked to organized crime and even governments.” Which, in addition, affect different countries, especially in electoral processes.
For the diplomat, governments must face this threat with “greater transparency,” “more communication” and “more pluralism in the media.”
Van Klaveren also warns of an increase in “radicalization” in America and Europe, which “does not come from the moderate right, which has its space and great experience in terms of government.” But of “the alternative right, which begins to exert pressure on the rest of the political spectrum and has a chain impact.”
In some countries of the region, Van Klaveren also observes “a certain tendency” to authoritarianism, a phenomenon that, from his point of view, is a consequence of the crime crisis that crosses the continent and that leads citizens to prefer to renounce certain freedoms in exchange for security.
Boric is one of the toughest leaders with the Venezuelan president, Nicolás Maduro, and the bilateral relationship has had several impasses.
The last, following the Aragua Train, the criminal gang born in a Venezuelan prison and whose tentacles have spread throughout the continent, and the murder in February of Venezuelan lieutenant Ronald Ojeda, asylyled in Chile.
“It is highly likely that this crime has been organized outside Chile (…) We would like to think that it has not (it has been orchestrated by the Venezuelan Government), but obviously all hypotheses are open and it will be the judicial investigation that will have to clarify it,” he says.
With regard to the upcoming July elections in Venezuela, Van Klaveren does not want to go in to assess the options of the opposition. But he assures that Chile is interested in “contributing to the development of an open and plural electoral process, with guarantees.”
On the irruption of the Ecuadorian police in the Mexican embassy, another matter that has convulsed the region, the chancellor is clear in defending international law and the inviolability of diplomatic missions. But, in turn, he celebrates that the dispute has gone to international courts.
“It confirms a trend in Latin America that distinguishes us from other regions of the world and that has to do with the principle of the peaceful solution of differences,” he says.
Boric also stands out for being a defender of the Palestinian cause and one of the great critics of Israel’s offensive in Gaza, where more than 34,400 Palestinians have already died.
“We hope that both the United States and countries in the area, such as Saudi Arabia, can promote an agreement between Israel and Hamas that will stop the death of so many innocent people and achieve a relative normalization of the area,” he emphasizes.
Despite the criticism, Chile has never considered the breakdown of relations with Israel, as Colombia has done. In addition, Van Klaveren rules out that his support for the Palestinian State may affect his relations with the United States, the largest Israeli ally.
“There is understanding for our position. Obviously there may be differences in appreciation of what is happening, but our relationships are totally normal,” he says.
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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