International
Nicolás Maduro: “We are not going to give this fascist oligarchy political power”
The president of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro, reiterated on Monday that he will not hand over power to the majority opposition, which he calls “fascist oligarchy”, which has proposed a negotiation after the July 28 elections, after which the National Electoral Council (CNE) ratified the victory of the Chavista leader, which is not recognized by a large part of the international community.
“We are not going to hand over the riches of this homeland to imperialism, we are not going to give this fascist oligarchy the political power in this country,” the president said during a meeting of the Council for the Defense of the Nation, in which he spoke of the crisis unleashed after the elections, which included protests and police operations that result in 25 deaths and more than 2,400 detainees, according to state sources.
In this meeting with the high authorities of the State institutions, Maduro reiterated his accusations against the presidential candidate of the opposition Democratic United Platform (PUD), Edmundo González Urrutia, and the anti-chavist leader María Corina Machado, who denounced that there was fraud in the elections.
He said that both leaders – who are kept under guard – are hidden and fleeing.
“Where are those who planned, those who called violence and then claimed it on social networks? That they assume their responsibility,” continued the head of state, who asked Justice for “greater speed, efficiency and iron hand in the face of crime.”
In this sense, he reiterated that the intellectual authors and financiers of the post-election protests – some turned into acts of violence – “have to go to jail.”
The CNE, claims to have suffered a cyber attack on the day of the voting, still does not publish the disaggregated results that confirm Maduro’s victory – contrary to his own regulations -, a silence that has been questioned by many countries.
For its part, the PUD published on a website “83.5%” of the electoral minutes that confirm, according to anti-chavism, that González Urrutia won the presidential elections by a wide margin.
International
UK braces for potential CO₂ shortage amid Middle East tensions
The government of United Kingdom is preparing contingency measures amid fears of a potential shortage of carbon dioxide (CO₂), which could impact the agri-food industry if the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, The Times reported on Thursday.
According to the newspaper, officials assessed this scenario during a recent crisis meeting aimed at evaluating the consequences of a prolonged conflict, triggered on February 28 by joint attacks from United States and Israel against Iran.
Under this scenario, CO₂ supplies—primarily a byproduct of fertilizer production using natural gas—could fall by up to 18%, affecting multiple sectors including agriculture and food production.
The gas is widely used in the slaughter of pigs and poultry, as well as in extending the shelf life of packaged foods. Breweries could also face disruptions due to reduced availability.
“I don’t want to comment on a leak, but now that the information is out there, I hope people feel reassured knowing we are working on it,” said Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for Business and Trade, in remarks to Sky News.
While a drop in CO₂ supply is not expected to cause major shortages in supermarkets, it could limit product variety, The Times noted, citing access to internal government documents.
To mitigate the impact, authorities are considering prioritizing CO₂ supply for critical sectors such as healthcare and civil nuclear energy, where it is used in cooling systems for blood reserves, organs, vaccines, and electricity generation. The government may also request domestic producers to increase output.
Central America
El Salvador and Paraguay approve 2026–2028 cooperation program
The governments of El Salvador and Paraguay approved the 2026–2028 Cooperation Program, which includes six joint development projects, according to Salvadoran Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Adriana Mira.
Mira stated that El Salvador will act as the “main provider of cooperation,” contributing five initiatives focused on road infrastructure, tourism, and local development. She also noted that one of the projects will be led by the Paraguayan side, although no further details were disclosed.
The agreement was reached during the Second Meeting of the Joint Commission on Technical and Scientific Cooperation between both countries.
According to Paraguay’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the First Meeting of the Political Consultation and Bilateral Coordination Mechanism was also held, with the participation of Vice Minister Víctor Verdún.
In an official statement, the Paraguayan government reported that both delegations agreed to identify mechanisms to promote competitiveness, economic growth, and market access. They also committed to signing agreements related to air transport cooperation.
International
Macron meets Machado, stresses need for democratic transition in Venezuela
Emmanuel Macron met on Monday at the Élysée Palace with Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, where they discussed the importance of advancing a democratic transition in Venezuela.
In a message shared on social media, Macron highlighted Machado’s commitment to freedom and stressed the need to achieve a transition that is peaceful and respects the will of the Venezuelan people.
“I received María Corina Machado, Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Together, we discussed her commitment to freedom and the importance of achieving a democratic, peaceful transition in Venezuela that respects the will of its people,” he wrote.
For her part, Machado expressed her “deep gratitude” to Macron and to France for their support of democracy and freedom in Venezuela.
“We have gone through a long and painful journey, and we are now very close to freedom. Venezuela will become a nation of free and equal men and women—prosperous, safe, and united,” she said.
Panama and OECD sign deal to boost investment climate and global integration
UK braces for potential CO₂ shortage amid Middle East tensions
Guatemala court overturns arrest warrants against former CICIG officials
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
-
Sin categoría2 days agoTrump renews criticism of Pope Leo XIV amid tensions over Iran
-
International4 days agoTrump says Iran seeks new talks after failed negotiations in Pakistan
-
International4 days agoMacron meets Machado, stresses need for democratic transition in Venezuela
-
Central America2 days agoHonduras police launch high-impact operations amid security concerns
-
Central America4 days agoArévalo calls for ‘rescue’ of Guatemala’s Prosecutor’s Office amid leadership change
-
Central America2 days agoEl Salvador and Paraguay approve 2026–2028 cooperation program
-
Central America2 days agoGuatemala court overturns arrest warrants against former CICIG officials
-
Central America17 minutes agoPanama and OECD sign deal to boost investment climate and global integration