International
The Parliament of Venezuela approves a law that provides for the regulation of NGOs by judicial means
The National Assembly (AN, Parliament) of Venezuela, controlled by Chavismo, unanimously approved on Tuesday, the Law of Supervision, Regularization, Action and Financing of NGOs and Social Organizations that provides for the judicial dissolution of these groups that violate the provisions established in the regulations.
During the session, the Legislature agreed to include in the text, at the request of the Chavista deputy Diosdado Cabello, that NGOs be prohibited from receiving contributions for the financing of “terrorism” because, he assured, there are organizations that receive funds and then sponsor “guarimbas” (violent protests).
“These NGOs receive funds and we see them financing guarimbas, financing acts of terrorism in the national territory and this would serve to put a stop to that possibility,” the legislator explained.
NGOs, according to the new law, are prohibited from receiving economic contributions destined for political organizations or making economic contributions to such formations, as well as promoting “fascism, intolerance or hatred.”
Likewise, it establishes as grounds for the dissolution of these associations the non-compliance with these prohibitions, declared by judicial decision, as well as the non-payment of any fine imposed “in accordance with this law, once the available judicial remedies have been exhausted.”
The text indicates that the courts of first instance in civil matters will be competent to agree on the “dissolution of a non-profit social organization,” to which “the right to defense and due process must be guaranteed.”
NGOs must, by law, notify “the financing or donations” they receive, in order to “ensure the legality of the funds,” in addition to declaring the “donations received with full identification of the donors, indicating whether they are national or foreign, accidental or permanent.”
On the other hand, according to the text, the Executive is responsible for “following and controlling compliance” with the “duties and prohibitions” established in the new legislation, for which, among other measures, it will implement and evaluate mechanisms that serve these purposes.
The NA resumed the discussion of this law three months after its last debate on it, last May, despite the warnings of numerous NGOs, which warn of a “suppression of civic space and the right of association.”
On Tuesday, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, asked the Government of Venezuela to reject this legislative text, as well as that of a bill to regulate social networks, due to the negative impact they would have on human rights and democracy in general.
International
German president says trust in U.S. leadership is ‘lost’ amid global tensions
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said on Tuesday that trust between the United States and its Western allies has been “lost,” warning that the damage could persist beyond the presidency of Donald Trump.
“The rupture is very deep, and the loss of trust in U.S. great power policy is significant—not only among its allies, but also, as I observe, globally,” Steinmeier said during a speech in Berlin marking the 75th anniversary of Germany’s Foreign Ministry.
Referring to the future of transatlantic relations, he stated that “there is no return to the situation before January 20, 2025,” the date marking the start of Trump’s second term in the White House.
“Even a future U.S. administration will no longer be able to resume the role of a benevolent hegemon guaranteeing a liberal international order,” added Steinmeier, who previously served as Germany’s foreign minister.
He also criticized the war against Iran, describing it as “contrary to international law” and calling it “a political mistake with serious consequences.”
“This war is avoidable and unnecessary,” he said.
Although the German presidency is largely ceremonial, Steinmeier’s remarks reflect a broader concern within Germany, aligning with the government’s cautious stance while going further in tone.
International
Trump claims talks with Iran as G7 meets to address global tensions
U.S. President Donald Trump said that the United States has held talks with Iran—a claim denied by Tehran—and has temporarily paused his threat to target the country’s electrical infrastructure.
In his first overseas trip since the United States and Israel launched their offensive on February 28, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to address key global issues, including the situation in the Middle East, according to State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott.
Foreign ministers from the Group of Seven will meet in Cernay-la-Ville, close to Versailles, on the outskirts of Paris.
During the meeting, Rubio will hold discussions with his counterparts on “the war between Russia and Ukraine, the situation in the Middle East, and threats to global peace and stability,” Pigott said.
France currently holds the presidency of the G7, whose members also include the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Italy, and Japan.
Although all G7 nations are close allies of the United States, none has offered explicit support for Washington’s military actions against Iran, a stance that has reportedly frustrated Trump.
Last Saturday, G7 foreign ministers called for an “immediate and unconditional end” to Iranian attacks against U.S. allies in the Middle East.
International
Pentagon to deploy 3,000 troops to Persian Gulf as Middle East tensions escalate
The Pentagon is planning to deploy nearly 3,000 troops from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Persian Gulf, according to two senior officials cited Tuesday by Spanish newspaper El País.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah warned it would confront any attempt at occupation following Israel’s announcement that its military will take control of southern Lebanon up to the Litani River, located about 30 kilometers from the border.
In recent hours, the Israel Defense Forces carried out airstrikes on Beirut, while Iran and Hezbollah responded with attacks on Israel, leaving at least six people with minor injuries in Tel Aviv.
The escalation comes as global markets react to renewed instability. The price of oil rose again above $100 per barrel after a brief decline the previous day, following an announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump of a five-day truce on attacks targeting Iran’s energy infrastructure.
Despite the announcement, Iranian authorities reported that two projectiles struck a gas pipeline in Khorramshahr and administrative buildings at a gas facility in Isfahan early Tuesday.
German president says trust in U.S. leadership is ‘lost’ amid global tensions
Trump claims talks with Iran as G7 meets to address global tensions
Pentagon to deploy 3,000 troops to Persian Gulf as Middle East tensions escalate
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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