International
Seoul, Tokyo and Washington condemn “in the most energetic terms” the Pyongyang-Moscow pact
South Korea, Japan and the United States published a statement on Monday in which they “condemn in the most vigorous terms possible” the recent agreement between North Korea and Russia, which deepens their military cooperation and can increase the supply of weapons from Pyongyang to Moscow for use in Ukraine.
The text, published by the South Korean Foreign Ministry, places special emphasis on “the continuous transfers of weapons from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (official name of North Korea) to Russia that prolong the suffering of the Ukrainian people, violate multiple United Nations Security Council Resolutions and threaten stability in both Northeast Asia and Europe.”
The statement adds that the Pyongyang-Moscow rapprochement “should be a cause for serious concern for anyone who has an interest in maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, defending the global non-proliferation regime and supporting the people of Ukraine in their defense of their freedom and independence against Russia’s brutal aggression.”
The so-called “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement”, which includes a clause of mutual military assistance in case of aggression against its territories, was signed last week coinciding with the visit to Pyongyang of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who signed the pact together with the North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un.
The agreement, which both Moscow and Pyongyang say complies with international law, could also involve the shipment of Russian technology to North Korea, according to some experts.
“The United States, the Republic of Korea (official name of South Korea) and Japan reaffirm their intention to further strengthen their diplomatic and security cooperation to counter the threats posed by the DPRK to regional and global security and prevent an escalation of the situation,” adds the joint statement published today.
The announcement concludes that the US commitment to the defense of its two allies “remains firm” and that Seoul, Washington and Tokyo “reaffirm that the path of dialogue remains open and urge the DPRK to cease new provocations and return to negotiations.”
After the failure of the dialogue on denuclearization in 2019, Pyongyang has opted to turn its back on new proposals to negotiate, to modernize its armaments, to rule out peaceful reunification with the South and to strengthen its rapprochement with Putin’s Russia, especially after the invasion of Ukraine.
International
Study finds COVID-19 vaccines prevented 2.5 million deaths worldwide
COVID-19 vaccines prevented an estimated 2,533,000 deaths worldwide between 2020 and 2024, according to an international study led by Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Italy and Stanford University in the United States, published in the journal JAMA Health Forum. Researchers calculated that one death was prevented for every 5,400 doses administered.
The analysis also found that the vaccines saved 14.8 million years of life, equivalent to one year of life gained for every 900 doses given.
The study, coordinated by Professor Stefania Boccia, revealed that 82% of the lives saved were people vaccinated before becoming infected with the virus, and 57% of deaths avoided occurred during the Omicron wave. In addition, 90% of the beneficiaries were adults over 60 years old.
“This is the most comprehensive analysis to date, based on global data and fewer assumptions about the evolution of the pandemic,” explained Boccia and researcher Angelo Maria Pezzullo.
International
Trump administration blasts judge’s ruling reinstating TPS for Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump criticized a federal judge’s ruling on Friday that reinstated Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua, stressing that the immigration program was never intended to serve as a “de facto asylum system.”
On Thursday, Judge Trina Thompson extended protections for about 7,000 Nepalese immigrants, whose TPS was set to expire on August 5. The ruling also impacts roughly 51,000 Hondurans and nearly 3,000 Nicaraguans, whose TPS protections were scheduled to end on September 8.
Immigrants covered by TPS had sued the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), alleging that the program’s termination was driven by “racial animus” and stripped them of protection from deportation.
DHS Deputy Undersecretary Tricia McLaughlin issued a statement saying the decision to end TPS was part of a mandate to “restore the integrity” of the immigration system and return the program to its original purpose.
“TPS was never conceived as a de facto asylum system; however, that is how previous administrations have used it for decades,” McLaughlin emphasized.
She also criticized Judge Thompson, calling the ruling “another example” of judges “stirring up claims of racism to distract from the facts.”
McLaughlin added that DHS would appeal the decision and take the legal battle to higher courts.
The Trump administration has also terminated TPS protections for approximately 160,000 Ukrainians, 350,000 Venezuelans, and at least half a million Haitians, among other immigrant groups.
International
Trump to build $200M ballroom at the White House by 2028
The U.S. government under President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that it will begin construction in September on a new 8,000-square-meter ballroom at the White House.
The announcement was made by Karoline Leavitt, the administration’s press secretary, during a briefing in which she explained that the expansion responds to the need for a larger venue to host “major events.”
“Other presidents have long wished for a space capable of accommodating large gatherings within the White House complex… President Trump has committed to solving this issue,” Leavitt told reporters.
The project is estimated to cost $200 million, fully funded through donations from Trump himself and other “patriots,” according to a government statement. Construction is scheduled to begin in September and is expected to be completed before Trump’s term ends in 2028.
The Clark Construction Group, a Virginia-based company known for projects such as the Capital One Arena and L’Enfant Plaza in Washington, D.C., has been selected to lead the project.
The new ballroom will be built on the East Wing of the White House, expanding the iconic residence with a space designed for state dinners, official ceremonies, and large-scale events.
Study finds COVID-19 vaccines prevented 2.5 million deaths worldwide
Trump administration blasts judge’s ruling reinstating TPS for Honduras, Nepal, and Nicaragua
Costa Rica faces historic vote on lifting presidential immunity for Rodrigo Chaves
Tec de Monterrey honors one of its students for his contribution to nanotechnology in medicine
Defense Minister commends salvadoran soldier for Central American Cross Country victory
Extension of the state of emergency approved in southern Chile
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