International
Peru pauses safe-conduct decision as dispute over political asylum deepens
Peruvian Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela announced that the government has decided to “delay” its decision on whether to grant safe-conduct to former Prime Minister Betssy Chávez — who is facing rebellion charges for her role in former President Pedro Castillo’s 2022 self-coup — and who is currently under political asylum at the Mexican Embassy in Lima.
De Zela explained that authorities will wait to make a final decision until they consult with other countries in the region, particularly members of the Organization of American States (OAS), regarding the 1954 Caracas Convention, which serves as the basis for the asylum request made by Chávez and supported by Mexican authorities.
“At the beginning of December, I will be in Washington to present this proposal specifically, and we will request that it be addressed with the urgency the case requires,” the foreign minister said in an interview with CNN. He added that he is confident there will be “a good reception” within the OAS to discuss this matter.
In recent days, Peruvian authorities indicated that they would consult OAS member states, arguing that in recent years the right to asylum has been “distorted,” as it is being granted “to those who are not facing persecution in democratic states,” in their view.
According to Peru, the convention has been “misused,” as ordinary crimes are being labeled as political persecution, and “under no circumstances should it be used to evade the application of national laws.”
In early November, Peru decided to break diplomatic relations with Mexico after learning “unexpectedly” that Chávez had been granted refuge at the Mexican Embassy in Lima. The government cited the “repeated instances” in which Mexican authorities had interfered in Peru’s internal affairs, referring to their criticism of Castillo’s arrest in December 2022.
As part of an agreement between the administration of former Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and previous Peruvian authorities, political asylum had already been granted to Castillo’s family. Castillo, meanwhile, remains in the midst of judicial proceedings on rebellion charges.
International
Missile attack hits Kharkiv homes, leaving 13 wounded
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Friday that a Russian missile attack on residential buildings in the eastern city of Kharkiv has left at least 13 people injured, according to local authorities.
“A horrific Russian attack on Kharkiv,” Zelensky wrote on Telegram, explaining that two missiles were fired, striking residential areas and causing “a number of casualties that is still being clarified.”
Local officials later confirmed that 13 people were injured in the attack, six of whom were hospitalized, including one woman in serious condition.
International
Sheinbaum evacuates National Palace after 6.5-magnitude earthquake hits Southern Mexico
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo evacuated the National Palace on Friday along with journalists and federal government staff after the seismic alert was activated during her morning press conference, triggered by a 6.5-magnitude earthquake with its epicenter in the south of the country.
The alert sounded while the president was speaking from the Treasury Hall, forcing the immediate interruption of the event and the activation of established safety protocols.
“Oh, it’s shaking,” Sheinbaum said as she noticed the tremor, before urging those present to remain calm.
According to preliminary information, the earthquake struck the state of Guerrero, one of Mexico’s most seismically active regions. The National Seismological Service (SSN) reported that the quake occurred at 7:58 a.m. local time (13:58 GMT).
Sheinbaum led the orderly evacuation of the historic building, accompanied by reporters covering the briefing and federal government personnel. Images released afterward show the president waiting in the central courtyard of the National Palace as she awaited guidance from Civil Protection authorities on whether it was safe to resume activities.
International
Canada’s prime minister Mark Carney to join Ukraine peace talks in Paris
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Friday that he will take part in peace negotiations on Ukrainescheduled to be held in Paris on January 5 and 6.
In a statement, the Canadian government said the meeting will bring together countries belonging to the so-called Coalition of the Willing, and aims to “accelerate efforts toward a negotiated peace” in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, supported by robust security guarantees.
Carney said Canada is working closely with its allies to achieve a “just and lasting peace,” stressing that the Coalition of the Willing must both deter further aggression and reinforce security guarantees, while ensuring that Ukraine is able to rebuild, recover and lay the foundations for genuine prosperity.
The Coalition of the Willing is made up of around 30 countries, the vast majority of them European, all of which are allies of Kyiv.
On Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that a meeting of the Coalition, alongside other European leaders, will take place in Paris on January 6, focusing on security guarantees for Ukraine in the event of a future peace agreement with Russia.
Missile attack hits Kharkiv homes, leaving 13 wounded
Sheinbaum evacuates National Palace after 6.5-magnitude earthquake hits Southern Mexico
Canada’s prime minister Mark Carney to join Ukraine peace talks in Paris
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