International
Burma’s military junta extends ceasefire until April 30 due to the earthquake
The military junta of Burma (Myanmar) announced on Tuesday an extension of the ceasefire that expired today and that will now last until April 30, with the aim of “accelerating” the transit of humanitarian aid in the country after the earthquake of March 28.
In a statement, the military government, which holds power after the February 2021 coup, explained that this decision also seeks to accelerate the country’s rehabilitation efforts, in view of the collapse of thousands of infrastructures due to the earthquake, which left more than 3,700 dead in the center-north of the country.
It is about “attaining a lasting peace and maintaining stability,” added the junta, accused by the opposition and by the United Nations (UN) of having violated the truce announced on April 2 on numerous occasions.
The board then announced that it would stop the attacks days after its opponents called for this truce, including the pro-democratic Government of National Unity (NUG), which declares itself the legitimate Burmese authority.
Precisely, this group denounced on Monday that the military carried out bombings on April 18 that caused 12 deaths in Mandalay, the second most populous city in the country and among the most affected by the 7.7 magnitude earthquake.
This complaint came a week after the UN counted 120 attacks perpetrated by the military after the earthquake, most of them after the ceasefire and in areas declared an emergency due to the devastation.
The military regime said today, in an article published by the newspaper The Global New Light of Myanmar, that “armed terrorists” – as he describes the groups it faces, including ethnic and pro-democratic guerrillas – “have been launching attacks” and that they will respond to these “threats.”
“Therefore, residents of areas where terrorists have taken control must prioritize their safety and protect themselves,” reads the letter.
China, which has mediated between the junta and the guerrillas, confirmed on Monday that it sent a ceasefire monitoring team to the Burmese city of Lashio, at the joint request of the generals and the group the Democratic Alliance of Burma (MNDAA), after an agreement reached by both parties in the Chinese city of Kunming.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on Friday that he was willing to extend the ceasefire after holding talks in Bangkok with the head of the board, Min Aung Hlaing, and representatives of the NUG, as a condition for the arrival of more humanitarians.
International
Mexico City Mayor Invites U2 to Perform at Iconic Zócalo Plaza
Irish rock band U2, which spent Tuesday and Wednesday filming a new music video for its song Street of Dreams in the Historic Center of Mexico City, received an invitation to perform at the capital’s iconic Zócalo square from Mayor Clara Brugada.
Brugada shared the invitation through social media posts accompanied by photos and a video showing her meeting with the band members.
“This is an invitation for you to perform in our wonderful public square, the Zócalo. You are welcome here, and we would love to have you,” Brugada said in the video while handing a document to Bono, the band’s lead singer.
Bono responded by saying that the group would like “to begin its new tour in Mexico City.”
Referencing one of the band’s most famous songs, In the Name of Love, Brugada said she was greeting Bono along with The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr..
“Welcoming U2 to our capital means celebrating music, connection and the emotion that can be felt in every corner of this city,” Brugada wrote in one of her messages. “We are a city open to the world, vibrant and full of stories shared from the stage to the streets.”
She also described the Zócalo as “the country’s most important public square” and a cultural landmark for Latin America.
Over the years, the Zócalo has hosted massive concerts by internationally renowned artists and bands including Roger Waters, Paul McCartney, Manu Chao, Café Tacvba, Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, Los Tigres del Norte, La Maldita Vecindad, Silvio Rodríguez, Joan Manuel Serrat, Rosalía and Shakira, drawing hundreds of thousands of fans.
International
Marco Rubio Urges China to Help Restrain Iran Amid Gulf Tensions
Marco Rubio said Wednesday that Washington hopes to persuade China to take a more active role in stopping Iran from escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf, arguing that the crisis directly threatens Asian commercial interests.
“It is in China’s interest to resolve this situation. We hope to convince them to play a more active role in getting Iran to stop what it is doing now and trying to do in the Persian Gulf,” Rubio said during an interview with journalist Sean Hannity on Fox News while traveling aboard Air Force One.
The top U.S. diplomat said the conflict and concerns over the possible disruption of the Strait of Hormuz have already affected China’s interests.
Rubio noted that “a Chinese cargo ship was struck over the weekend,” referring to the exchange of attacks reported last Friday between Iran and the United States.
The remarks come amid growing international concern over rising tensions in the region and the potential impact on global trade routes and energy supplies.
International
Trump floats Vance-Rubio potential Republican ticket for 2028 election
U.S. President Donald Trump suggested on Monday that Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubiocould potentially form a Republican presidential ticket for the 2028 elections.
Speaking during a dinner with law enforcement officials as part of National Police Week, Trump publicly praised both officials and said they could make “an ideal team” for the next presidential race.
“Who likes JD Vance? Who likes Marco Rubio?” Trump asked attendees before adding that the pair “sound like a good combination.”
The president highlighted his vice president’s performance in office, stating that their current partnership has been highly effective. “JD is perfect, that has been a perfect formula,” Trump told reporters later.
He further suggested that a Vance-Rubio pairing could represent a strong presidential and vice-presidential ticket, although he stopped short of offering any formal endorsement.
“I think it sounds like a presidential candidate and a vice-presidential candidate,” he said, while clarifying that his remarks should not be interpreted as an official backing of any future campaign.
So far, neither Vance nor Rubio has publicly confirmed any intention to run in the 2028 presidential election.
Rubio previously sought the Republican nomination in 2016 but withdrew after losing the primary race to Trump. Later, in a December 2025 interview with Vanity Fair, he said he would be among the first to support Vance if he decided to run for the White House.
Vance, meanwhile, has recently dismissed speculation of any political rivalry with Rubio amid growing discussion about potential future GOP leadership.
Mexico City Mayor Invites U2 to Perform at Iconic Zócalo Plaza
Marco Rubio Urges China to Help Restrain Iran Amid Gulf Tensions
Panama confirms drug contamination of El Salvador coffee shipment occurred on its territory
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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International2 days agoTrump floats Vance-Rubio potential Republican ticket for 2028 election
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International4 days agoRussia Accuses Ukraine of Violating Victory Day Truce
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Central America2 days agoPanama confirms drug contamination of El Salvador coffee shipment occurred on its territory
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International5 hours agoMarco Rubio Urges China to Help Restrain Iran Amid Gulf Tensions
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International5 hours agoMexico City Mayor Invites U2 to Perform at Iconic Zócalo Plaza