International
González Urrutia predicts an “overwhelming” opposition victory in the Venezuelan elections
The candidate of the largest opposition coalition in Venezuela, Edmundo González Urrutia, anticipated this Monday an “overwheating victory” for the formation he flags, the Democratic Unitary Platform (PUD), in the elections on July 28, since – he said – the polls give him “a wide advantage” very “difficult” to reach for the other candidates for the Presidency.
“We trust in our victory, which can be an overwhelming victory. (…) And that opens up a new political reality and the Government will have to compromise (…), because there are sectors within the ruling party that are not willing to recognize an eventual defeat,” the candidate said in an interview with the national channel Televen.
Likewise, González Urrutia reiterated that, if he wins the Presidency, he will promote a “Government for all,” in which “sectors that at the time felt identified with the political process (in reference to Chavismo) and that are now disappointed” will be included.
The candidate did not rule out the creation of “spaces for dialogue,” which will result in the resignation of President Nicolás Maduro before the end of his term, in January 2025, or the transfer of power.
“I do not rule out what has happened elsewhere, as happened in Argentina in the 80s, when the president (Raúl) Alfonsín cut his mandate and transferred power to (Carlos) Menem. That can be part of some conversations,” said the candidate of the Democratic United Platform (PUD).
In the face of possible conversations with the military sector, which has traditionally supported Chavismo, he said that “the military must return to their space” and “enforce the Constitution,” especially article 328, which states that its function “is at the exclusive service of the Nation and in no case that of any person or political bias.”
González Urrutia said that he is “very sure” that he will get a victory on July 28, when 21,620,705 Venezuelans are called to vote, who will choose from 10 candidates, including Maduro, who is looking for his re-election.
International
Erin brings strong winds and storm surge despite weakening offshore
Hurricane Erin weakened to a Category 2 storm on Tuesday but continues to pose a threat to parts of the U.S. East Coast with potentially dangerous flooding, according to meteorologists.
Although the hurricane’s eye is expected to remain offshore, experts are concerned about Erin’s size, as strong winds extend hundreds of kilometers beyond the storm’s center.
In its 18:00 GMT bulletin, the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC) lifted tropical storm warnings for the Bahamasand Turks and Caicos Islands, but kept them in effect for parts of North Carolina.
Erin was located several hundred kilometers southeast of North Carolina and was moving northwestward.
“This means there is a risk of potentially life-threatening flooding of 60 to 120 centimeters above ground level,” said NHC Director Michael Brennan.
He also warned of the possibility of destructive waves, combined with storm surge, that could cause severe damage to beaches and coastal areas, making roads impassable.
International
Three U.S. Warships deploy near Venezuela to combat drug trafficking
Three U.S. naval vessels are moving toward the coasts of Venezuela, according to international media reports on Tuesday, after White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt confirmed that President Donald Trump is ready to combat and curb international drug trafficking.
Reports indicate that the ships will reach Venezuelan waters within the next 36 hours as part of a recent U.S. deployment aimed at countering international narcotics operations.
The announcement coincides with Leavitt’s statement that Trump is prepared to “use the full extent of his power” to halt drug flows into the United States. The naval deployment involves approximately 4,000 military personnel.
“The President has been clear and consistent. He is ready to use every element of U.S. power to prevent drugs from flooding our country and to bring those responsible to justice. The Maduro regime is not the legitimate government of Venezuela—it is a narco-terror cartel,” the spokesperson said during a press conference.
International
Cuban authorities free salvadoran convicted in 1997 hotel bombing
Salvadoran national Otto René Rodríguez Llerena was released after serving a 30-year prison sentence for his involvement in a terrorist attack at a hotel in Cuba in 1997, the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported.
During his trial, Rodríguez Llerena admitted to placing an explosive device at the Meliá Cohiba Hotel under the orders of anti-Castro exile leaders. He was arrested the following year when he returned to Havana with another load of explosives that failed to detonate.
“The Cuban government reiterates its commitment to combating terrorism, respecting human rights, and the need for the international community to hold accountable those who promote such acts,” the statement read.
He was released on August 15 and is the second Salvadoran to complete his sentence. In December of last year, another Salvadoran, Ernesto Cruz León, was released after planting bombs at tourist centers, one of which killed an Italian tourist identified as Fabio Di Celmo.
A third Salvadoran, Francisco Chávez Abarca, also received a 30-year sentence from Cuban courts in 2010 after being extradited from Venezuela through Interpol for actions against Cuba.
Rodríguez Llerena had requested conditional release in 2016, arguing that his actions had not caused any direct fatalities, but no further information was released about his situation until now.
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