International
António Guterres asks G20 leaders to “take a step forward” for peace in Ukraine and Gaza
The UN Secretary General, António Guterres, asked this Sunday to the leaders of the G20, who meet from today in Rio de Janeiro, to “take a step forward” for peace in the Gaza Strip, Lebanon, Ukraine and Sudan.
The G20 countries exert a “huge diplomatic influence” and “must use it to address the main global problems. First of all, peace” because while “the wars continue, people are paying a horrible price,” he said at a press conference in Rio.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres also expressed his “concern” about the state of negotiations at the Baku climate summit (COP29) and demanded “leadership” and “commitment” from the G20 countries to achieve a “satisfactory result.”
Regarding Donald Trump’s return to the Presidency of the United States, he assured that the “best possible response” is to “strengthen multilateralism.”
Guterres asks the G20 to “take a step forward” for peace
Guterres asked the G20 heads of state and government to address the major ongoing conflicts, something that Brazil, which holds the rotating presidency of the forum until November 30, has categorically rejected.
Brazil maintains that the G20 emerged as an economic coordination mechanism and, for this reason, is not the appropriate instance for the prevention and resolution of conflicts, something that, in its opinion, is the responsibility of the UN.
In fact, the Brazilian Presidency has organized three plenary sessions for the G20 summit on how to eradicate hunger in the world, the reform of international institutions and a final one on energy transition and sustainable development.
However, Guterres urged the G20 to “take a step forward for peace,” specifically in Gaza and Lebanon, the subject of bombing and invasions by the Israeli Army, as well as in Ukraine, under Russian fire for about three years, and Sudan.
In addition, asked about how the international community should be organized in the face of the possibility of Trump moving away from global agreements, such as climate agreements, Guterres said that “the most important thing is to recognize the importance of multilateralism” and “strengthen” its institutions.
Concern about COP29
At his press conference, the UN Secretary General also referred to the climate summit being held in Baku.
“I am concerned about the state of negotiations at COP29. Countries must agree on an ambitious climate financing target that is equal to the magnitude of the challenge facing developing countries,” Guterres said at a press conference on the eve of the G20 meeting.
He acknowledged that the negotiations are “far” from coming to fruition and warned that not reaching a consensus would have “negative” consequences for COP30, which will be held in 2025 in the city of Belém, in the Brazilian Amazon.
In this context, he recalled that the G20, which brings together the most powerful economies on the planet, are responsible for “80% of global emissions” polluting and, therefore, “must lead by example.”
In this way, he considered that “all G20 countries must make an additional effort” in their climate goals and gave as an example of a “good start” the recent announcements of “Brazil and the United Kingdom”, both members of the G20.
Guterres also firmly defended the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which he referred to as the ideal way to “confront the tremendous inequalities and injustices that exist in the world.”
The G20 is made up of Germany, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, South Korea, France, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Russia, South Africa and Turkey, in addition to the European Union and the African Union.
International
U.S. strike in Caribbean kills three suspected drug traffickers
A U.S. strike on a suspected drug-smuggling vessel in the Caribbean killed three people on Saturday, according to Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth, marking the latest in a series of attacks in international waters.
The United States has deployed ships to the Caribbean and sent fighter jets to Puerto Rico as part of a large military force that Washington says is aimed at curbing drug trafficking.
“This vessel, like all the others, was known to our intelligence for being involved in illicit narcotics smuggling,” Hegseth stated on X. “Three narcoterrorists were aboard the vessel during the attack, which took place in international waters,” he added.
Experts argue that the attacks, which began in early September, amount to extrajudicial executions, even if the targets are known traffickers.
Washington has yet to publicly provide evidence that the targeted individuals were actively smuggling drugs or posed a threat to the United States.
Hegseth said the U.S. would continue “hunting… and killing” suspected traffickers. He also shared video footage of the strike, showing the vessel being hit and engulfed in flames. As in previous videos, sections of the ship were blurred, making it impossible to verify the number of people on board.
The United Nations called on Friday for Washington to halt its attacks.
International
At least 23 killed in Sonora supermarket blast, including minors
At least 23 people were killed and 11 others injured in an explosion at a supermarket in Hermosillo, in the northern Mexican state of Sonora, local authorities reported on Saturday.
“So far, there are 23 confirmed deaths and 11 injured, including minors,” said Sonora Governor Alfonso Durazo in a video message. He added that the injured are receiving treatment in various hospitals across the city.
“I have ordered a thorough and transparent investigation to determine the causes of the incident and assign responsibility where appropriate,” Durazo said.
The explosion occurred at a Waldo’s store in downtown Hermosillo. Local authorities confirmed that the incident was not an attack nor related to any violent act against civilians.
Meanwhile, Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her condolences on X, offering sympathy to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives.
International
Floods in Central Vietnam leave 28 dead, thousands displaced
The death toll from heavy rains and flooding in central Vietnam has risen to 28, with six people reported missing and 43 injured, local newspaper VnExpress reported Friday night.
More than 22,100 homes remain flooded, primarily in the cities of Hue and Da Nang. Floods and landslides have destroyed or swept away 91 houses and damaged another 181, the report added.
Around 245,000 households are still without electricity, particularly in Da Nang, where over 225,000 homes are affected.
Additionally, 80 stretches of national highways are blocked or disrupted due to landslides. Authorities expect the flooding to continue for another day or two in the region.
U.S. strike in Caribbean kills three suspected drug traffickers
At least 23 killed in Sonora supermarket blast, including minors
Floods in Central Vietnam leave 28 dead, thousands displaced
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
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