(2021-12-09). China Plays a Crucial Role Supporting Progress and Sovereignty in Latin America. orinocotribune.com By Carlos Martinez — Dec 6, 2021 | In the last two decades, economic links between Latin America and the People's Republic of China have been expanding at a dizzying rate. | Bilateral trade in 2000 was just $12 billion (1 per cent of Latin American's total trade); now it stands at $315bn. In the same time period, China's foreign direct investment in Latin America has increased by a factor of five. | Since the launch of the Belt and Road Initiative in 2013, 19 of the 33 countries in the Latin American and Caribbean region have signed up to the China-led global infrastructure development strategy. | Infrastruc…
(2021-12-09). UK: Johnson moves to Plan B measures over Omicron variant amid escalating government crisis. wsws.org Having ruled out any more lockdowns months ago in order to protect the profits of the corporations, the Plan B measures are extremely limited, inadequate, and, as always, way behind the times.
(2021-12-09). How Europe's "Shadow Immigration System" Pays Libyan Militias to Jail Migrants in Brutal Conditions. democracynow.org 
An explosive new investigation details how the European Union has created a shadow immigration system that captures migrants arriving from Africa before they reach Europe and sends them to brutal militia-run detention centers in Libya. "This is a climate migration story," says Ian Urbina, investigative journalist and director of The Outlaw Ocean Project, who authored the report for The New Yorker magazine. "The policy of the EU of outsourcing migration control to a failed state in Libya … is a really doomed strategy, and it's only going to get more perilous as more waves of people start trying to reach safer pl…
(2021-12-09). àáa Suffit! Time for Boris to Get Tough on Macron by Turning to the Military. strategic-culture.org The migrant crisis is putting Boris Johnson under enormous pressure to hit Macron where it hurts, Martin Jay writes. | Time after time, in recent weeks, we have seen the threats and rhetoric ramped up by "weasel" French President against Boris Johnson and his government. Whether it is the rights of British fisherman to be in their own waters or more recently the migrant crisis which captured the headlines when 27 asylum seekers attempting to cross the Channel perished when their boat was unable to sustain what is believed to be a wake left by an oil tanker. | But how much longer can Boris Johnson stay at the helm…
(2021-12-09). How are Peruvian indigenous highland communities promoting agrobiodiversity? america.cgtn.com 
See how Peruvian indigenous highland communities conserve some of the world's most important agrobiodiversity crops to adapt to climate change.
(2021-12-09). Are the Candidacies of Jorge Arreaza and Claudio Fermín Legal? orinocotribune.com As the January 9 elections in the state of Barinas approach, the temperature of the political debate in Venezuela is heating up between the four opposition candidates and the candidate for the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV)/Great Patriotic Pole (GPP), Jorge Arreaza. | Within both the right-wing groups and the Chavistas, a debate was opened regarding the various options that are on the table. This political landscape was formed after the inconclusive elections of November 21 in Barinas, and the National Electoral Council's (CNE) announcement of a re-election process. | The present candidates now includ…
(2021-12-09). Bolton Admits that 'Unity' of Venezuela's Opposition Depends on US Position. orinocotribune.com Former White House national security adviser and one of the main promoters of the maximum pressure policy against Venezuela, John Bolton, assured that the absence of "a solid position" from the United States puts the "unity of the opposition" at risk, in terms of the so-called "interim government," "Without stronger American support, how long could the opposition hold together?" asked Bolton, as quo…
(2021-12-08). Venezuela: Guaidó Increasingly Isolated as UN Recognizes Maduro Gov't in 'Resounding' Vote. venezuelanalysis.com Venezuelan Foreign Minister Felix Plasencia called the vote "a slap against imperialist interference and aggression."
(2021-12-08). What You're Not Supposed to Know About Cuba and Venezuela. orinocotribune.com By Ted Snider — Dec 6, 2021 | What's changed in Venezuela and Cuba since Biden became President? Nothing. But as US foreign policy on those two great threats to America continues seamlessly on from the Trump presidency to the Biden presidency, there's something the White House and the media don't want you to know. | Venezuela | Though you'd barely know it from the media, Venezuela just had an important election. Though not a presidential election, the regional elections were significant because, since the opposition fully participated for the first time in several years, the election was an obvious referendu…
(2021-12-08). Putin: Ukraine Is to Russia What Cuba Was to America in the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. moderndiplomacy.eu In an almost universally ignored speech by Putin, on December 1st (titled "Ceremony for presenting foreign ambassadors' letters of credence"), he said, merely as an aside [and I here shall add clarifications in brackets]: By the way, the threat on our western border [he was referring mainly to Ukraine] is really growing, and we have …
(2021-12-08). A One-Sided Narrative: U.S. Press Focuses on "Russian Aggression" While Ignoring U.S. Escalation. democracynow.org 
During a virtual summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, President Biden threatened to impose new economic sanctions and other measures if Russia invades Ukraine. The talks were held amid growing tension between the two countries over the expansion of NATO in Eastern Europe and Russia's deployment of tens of thousands troops along the border of Ukraine. Editorial director and publisher at The Nation Katrina vanden Heuvel says the U.S. has a "one-sided narrative" of the Russia-Ukraine conflict that neglects to acknowledge its own role in escalating tensions. "This [t…
(2021-12-08). U.S. 'democracy summit' a master class in hypocrisy. peoplesworld.org 
If you thought discourse in the United States couldn't get more childish, think again: This week, the White House is convening the geopolitical equivalent of the He-Man Woman-Haters' Club from Our Gang. The club has an official name, of course; the Summit for Democracy, wherein U.S. President Joe Biden and 110 of his closest friends …
(2021-12-08). Alex Saab's Diplomatic Immunity Ruling Freezes his Court Case In Florida. popularresistance.org The trial against the Venezuelan diplomat, Alex Saab, in the Court of the US Southern District of Florida, was suspended due to the ongoing appeal for his diplomatic status. The appeal was filed in April of 2021, reported FuserNews. The current complaint in regards to the recognition of his diplomatic status, which would confer immunity for Ambassador Saab, has been fought in the Court of Appeals of the Eleventh Circuit of Atlanta, Georgia, since April 1, 2021 when the defense team requested that the court "annul the order conferring the status of fugitive."
(2021-12-08). Alex Saab's Diplomatic Immunity Ruling Freezes His Court Case. popularresistance.org The trial against the Venezuelan diplomat, Alex Saab, in the Court of the US Southern District of Florida, was suspended due to the ongoing appeal for his diplomatic status. The appeal was filed in April of 2021, reported FuserNews. The current complaint in regards to the recognition of his diplomatic status, which would confer immunity for Ambassador Saab, has been fought in the Court of Appeals of the Eleventh Circuit of Atlanta, Georgia, since April 1, 2021 when the defense team requested that the court "annul the order conferring the status of fugitive."
(2021-12-08). Hondurans reject coup regime — °Xiomara presidente! workers.org 
On January 27, after nearly 13 years under a "narcodictatorship" responsible for thousands of assassinations, kidnappings and imprisonments, the people of Honduras will witness the inauguration of President-elect Xiomara Castro de Zelaya. She was the candidate of the Libre (Freedom and Refoundation) Party and is the spouse of former President . . . |
(2021-12-08). Honduras: Next steps after historic left victory. greenleft.org.au Following Xiomara Castro's victory in the Honduran elections, Bertha Zúniga Cáceres, Coordinator of the Council of Popular and Indigenous Organizations of Honduras (COPINH), spoke to Peoples Dispatch about what this means for people's movements in the country.
(2021-12-08). Honduras: La victoria de Xiomara Castro y los grandes desafíos. workers.org 
Por Carlos Aznárez Después de la victoria electoral por el Partido Libre y Xiomara Castro en las elecciones en Honduras en noviembre, el redactor de Resumen Latinoamericano escribió esta entrevista. Xiomara Castro recibió más votos que ningún otro candidato en la historia de Honduras. Quién es Xiomara Castro Nos vamos . . . |
(2021-12-08). Honduras rises up to reclaim its democracy. greenleft.org.au Delegates from the Progressive International Observatory witnessed the election of Xiomara Castro in Honduras on November 28.
(2021-12-08). Dossier No. 47: New clothes, old threads: the dangerous right-wing offensive in Latin America. mronline.org 
The Western world lives in discontent. Progressive models have failed to maintain the levels of politicisation, mystique, capacity to question, transformative purpose, and possibilities of concrete changes for the masses.
(2021-12-08). Estados Unidos: Gerrymandering, vergàºenza de la democracia. globalizacion.ca El estado de Texas fue demandado ayer por el Departamento de Justicia del gobierno de Joe Biden por redefinir la distritación electoral con el propósito de reducir la representación de las poblaciones negras, latinas y asiáticas, que son las que…
(2021-12-08). Colombian company tries to solve the digital gap problem. america.cgtn.com 
With the world's rapid technological advancement, the deficits in education, especially in developing nations, will only get bigger and put future generations at greater socio-economic risk. One company is trying to help bridge the gap in Colombia. Find out more.
(2021-12-08). Palestine Solidarity Day officially recognized in Philadelphia. workers.org 
International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People was officially recognized in Philadelphia for the first time on Nov. 29. Philadelphia City Hall, Nov. 29. Mayor Jim Kenney, Amy Eusebio (director of the Office of Immigrant Affairs), City Council members Kendra Brooks, Jamie Gauthier and Maria Quinoñes Sanchez, State Representative . . . |
(2021-12-08). Legality, safety, and rationality of 'pushing back' migrant boats questioned by Lords committee. thecanary.co The legality of Priti Patel's plans to turn back migrant boats at sea has been called into question by peers including senior lawyers and a former judge. | "Concerns": | The Lords Justice and Home Affairs Committee has written to the home secretary expressing "concerns" over the legal basis for the so-called 'pushbacks'. The letter adds to "growing concern both in and outside Parliament" over the policy proposed in a bid to curb Channel crossings, peers said. | It comes as the Nationality and Borders Bill is being considered by MPs in the Commons. It's at report stage for a second day before it gets a…
(2021-12-08). Lithuania: pensioners get ready for death. moderndiplomacy.eu Main attention of the Lithuanian media has been focused on migrant crises and security issues for several weeks. This problem has become also a good reason to once again draw the attention of the population to the need of increasing defense capabilities. This problem has become a good excuse for further increasing of the armed …
(2021-12-08). En la relación con el FMI se juega el futuro de la Argentina. globalizacion.ca Argentina atraviesa por uno de los momentos más críticos de su historia. No se refiere a riesgos nucleares o climáticos, tampoco a los de una guerra convencional. Se trata de saber si continuará su declive hacia la nada o si…
(2021-12-08). Pony therapy helps kids with cancer in Brazil. america.cgtn.com 
See how pony therapy can bring some relief to children and teenagers with cancer in Sao Paulo.
(2021-12-08). Chilean Activists Welcome Leopoldo López with Eggs. orinocotribune.com This Tuesday, December 7, a group of Chilean demonstrators received the fugitive from Venezuelan justice Leopoldo López at the former Congress of the Republic, in Santiago de Chile, with a barrage of eggs and slogans denouncing him as a criminal, murderer, and coup leader. | The Venezuelan opposition figure visited the building to meet with representatives of the Chilean extreme right participating in the Constitutional Convention, the Chilean constituent body in charge of writing the new post-Pinochet Magna Carta.[VÂDEO] Leopoldo López llega a la Convención Constitucional de Chile y lo reciben tirándole huevo…
(2021-12-08). Indonesia court rejects permit plea for palm oil plantations in Papua and other stories. peoplesdispatch.org Today we look at a court order denying permits for palm oil plantations in Papua, the Marriage Equality bill passed by Chile's parliament, and more…
(2021-12-08). Chilean Senate Approves Same-Sex Marriage, Initiative One Step Away from Becoming Law. orinocotribune.com On Tuesday, December 7, the Chilean Senate voted in favor of marriage equality. For this to become law, the initiative still needs to complete a final step—approval in the Chamber of Deputies. The law has been expected for years by Chile's LGBTIQ+ community. | Currently, the only legal procedure in force in Chile, that can legally bind same-sex couples is the Civil Union Agreement, which was approved in 2015, and which grants all of the rights stipulated by marriage, except the possibility of adoption and the filiation rights for the children of same-sex couples. This will change if the new initiative becom…
(2021-12-08). Assange Judge is 40-Year 'Good Friend' of Minister who Orchestrated his Arrest. orinocotribune.com By Matt Kennard and Mark Curtis — Dec 2, 2021 | Julian Assange's fate lies in the hands of an appeal judge who is a close friend of Sir Alan Duncan — the former foreign minister who called Assange a "miserable little worm" in parliament. | Lord Chief Justice Ian Burnett, the judge that will soon decide Julian Assange's fate, is a close personal friend of Sir Alan Duncan, who as foreign minister arranged Assange's eviction from the Ecuadorian embassy. | The two have known each other since their student days at Oxford in the 1970s, when Duncan called Burnett "the Judge". Burnett and his wife attended Dunc…
(2021-12-08). Borges vs. Guaidó: US' House of Cards on Fire. orinocotribune.com By Mision Verdad — Dec 7, 2021 | We are witnessing live the unveiling of a fiction that has lasted for too long; whose protagonists belong to the most extreme of the anti-Chavismo sectors. The outcome of the unveiling is destined to propitiate the failure of the anti-Venezuela US strategy. Both the excesses of its dauphins and hitmen have worn out the age of anti-politics, and these are now being ignored because of the prevailing reality in the country, a reality in which most of the political parties are participating in the democratic arena. | Julio Borges has finally decided to depart from what Washington…
(2021-12-08). Reconoce la Asamblea General de la ONU al gobierno constitucional de Maduro. globalizacion.ca La Asamblea General de la Organización de Naciones Unidas (ONU) reconoció el lunes al gobierno constitucional del presidente Nicolás Maduro como representante legítimo de la República Bolivariana de Venezuela, lo que fue calificado por el embajador Samuel Moncada como "una…
(2021-12-08). Juan Guaidó perdió a su "canciller: La lucha por el poder y el dinero usurpado. globalizacion.ca El publicitado gobierno interino de Juan Guaidó, la estructura institucional paralela que creó Estados Unidos para tratar de derrocar al presidente constitucional Nicolás Maduro en Venezuela, comienza a resquebrajarse desde dentro, tras el anuncio de Julio Borges, su "canciller", de…
(2021-12-08). Crying at the Centro Fidel Castro Ruz. orinocotribune.com By Salifu Mack — Dec 2, 2021 | I recently had the opportunity to visit Cuba through a friendship Caravan with
(2021-12-08). U.S. caravan brings solidarity to Cuba. workers.org 
Ricardo Perez (center), head of International Relations for the Finlay Vaccine Institute (Instituto Finlay de Vacunas), meets with members of the Workers World Party contingent (from left to right) Chris Hollis, Peter Gilbert, Loan Tran and Elena Everett, in Havana, Nov. 16. Gilbert was a member of the 31st IFCO/Pastors . . . |