作者: admin

  • Airspace Ban Lifted for U.S. Airlines in Caribbean, South America

    Airspace Ban Lifted for U.S. Airlines in Caribbean, South America

    U.S. commercial air carriers resumed normal operations across critical Caribbean and South American flight corridors early Sunday following the expiration of temporary flight restrictions imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The aviation safety measures, which had triggered extensive flight cancellations and travel disruptions throughout Saturday, were formally lifted at midnight Eastern Time.

    The FAA initially issued multiple Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) on Friday, identifying potential safety hazards in airspace managed by the Curacao, Maiquetia, Piarco, and San Juan flight information regions. These advisories specifically referenced increased military activities within Venezuelan territory that posed risks to civilian aviation.

    U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed the restoration of normal flight operations late Saturday, indicating that airlines were actively working to clear passenger backlogs resulting from the temporary suspension. Travelers received recommendations to consult directly with their carriers for the most current scheduling information as airlines updated their flight plans.

    United Airlines, which had experienced hundreds of cancellations at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan on Saturday, announced preparations to reinstate its Caribbean service network. The carrier projected that most scheduled flights would operate normally on Sunday, with additional services being arranged to accommodate affected passengers.

    JetBlue similarly commenced service restoration after approximately 215 flight cancellations during the disruption period. The airline indicated potential additional flights would be added to its schedule and advised customers to monitor flight status through digital platforms.

    While European aviation authorities maintained their conflict-zone advisory for Venezuelan airspace, KLM—the Dutch flag carrier—proceeded with scheduled Sunday flights to Caribbean destinations after canceling services the previous day. Regional airlines operating within the Caribbean basin remained largely unaffected by the restrictions, which applied exclusively to U.S.-registered aircraft operators.

  • Uzbek President sends congratulations to Cuban people

    Uzbek President sends congratulations to Cuban people

    In a significant diplomatic exchange, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has conveyed formal congratulations to Cuban leadership commemorating Liberation Day, the Caribbean nation’s pivotal national holiday. Through an official message transmitted via Prensa Latina news agency, Mirziyoyev articulated heartfelt felicitations to both President Miguel Díaz-Canel and the Cuban populace, underscoring the deepening rapport between the two governments.

    The Central Asian leader expressed unwavering confidence that ‘practical cooperation ties between our nations will persistently broaden, advancing the mutual interests of our amicable peoples.’ This statement signals a deliberate commitment to fortify international partnerships beyond traditional geopolitical blocs.

    Mirziyoyev specifically emphasized collaborative initiatives designed to elevate the comprehensive partnership into a new developmental phase. The strategic enhancement encompasses multiple sectors including economic collaboration, agricultural modernization, public health coordination, and cultural-humanitarian engagement. This multidimensional approach reflects contemporary diplomatic trends favoring diversified bilateral cooperation.

    Concluding his diplomatic correspondence, the Uzbek head of state extended personal wishes for President Díaz-Canel’s wellbeing and professional success in governing responsibilities. The message culminated with aspirations for Cuba’s peaceful development and national prosperity, symbolizing the cordial nature of inter-state relations despite geographical separation.

  • Colombia takes steps in response to potential impacts in border area

    Colombia takes steps in response to potential impacts in border area

    In a significant escalation of border security measures, Colombia’s Administrative Department of the Presidency (DAPRE) has announced the deployment of 30,000 military personnel to its frontier with Venezuela. The decision emerged from high-level governmental meetings where Director Angie Rodriguez outlined a comprehensive strategy addressing both humanitarian and security concerns.

    The substantial military mobilization, described as part of a ‘comprehensive and coordinated response plan,’ will prioritize regions deemed critically vulnerable. The Armed Forces have been placed on high alert status to address potential security challenges while safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

    Concurrently, the Colombian government is implementing preventative measures aligned with its ‘Lasting Solutions for Victims’ public policy framework. This initiative involves resource allocation and preparation of comprehensive support systems for Colombian communities affected by border region migration dynamics.

    Of particular significance is the government’s consideration of declaring an Economic Emergency to address potential impacts from regional migration patterns. Such a declaration would provide exceptional tools enabling swift and efficient response mechanisms to the evolving situation.

    The official statement concluded with expressions of unanimous support for President Gustavo Petro and firm rejection of what it characterized as unfounded accusations against the administration.

  • Atilio Boron warns of implications of US strike on Venezuela

    Atilio Boron warns of implications of US strike on Venezuela

    Prominent Argentine sociologist Atilio Boron has issued a stark warning about the destabilization of international norms following recent US military actions against Venezuela. In a recent interview, Boron characterized Washington’s airstrike on Caracas as representing the definitive collapse of the post-World War II global governance framework.

    Boron emphatically stated that such actions must not be normalized, arguing that validation of unilateral military strikes could trigger dangerous geopolitical consequences extending far beyond South America. The academic specifically cautioned that the United States’ breach of international law might tacitly empower other global powers to resolve territorial disputes through force rather than diplomacy.

    To illustrate his concerns, Boron presented hypothetical scenarios where Azerbaijan might move to seize Armenian territory, or China could attempt to formally incorporate Taiwan within its national jurisdiction—actions that would previously have been constrained by international norms.

    Regarding the White House’s official justification for the military action, Boron dismissed narratives centered on drug trafficking interdiction or democracy promotion as lacking credibility. The sociologist’s analysis suggests the incident represents a fundamental shift in global power dynamics that could undermine decades of established international law and diplomatic protocols.

  • PM warns changes to citizenship programmes could hit some Caribbean states harder

    PM warns changes to citizenship programmes could hit some Caribbean states harder

    Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda has issued a stark warning regarding international efforts to modify Citizenship by Investment Programs (CIP), cautioning that such actions could trigger severe economic destabilization across vulnerable Caribbean nations. Speaking during a recent episode of Pointe FM’s Browne and Browne Show, the Prime Minister emphasized the existential nature of these programs for certain regional economies.

    Browne delineated a critical distinction in regional dependency levels, noting that while Antigua and Barbuda utilizes CIP as one revenue stream among others, neighboring states have developed far greater reliance on these initiatives. He specifically highlighted Dominica as particularly vulnerable to external policy shocks that might restrict or abruptly terminate citizenship investment schemes.

    “For some countries, this programme isn’t merely supplementary—it’s foundational to their economic survival,” Browne stated. “The sudden disruption of these financial flows without appropriate transitional measures could effectively collapse economies that have built significant dependency on CIP revenues.”

    The Antiguan leader positioned his administration as advocating for structured reform rather than elimination, emphasizing his government’s role in promoting regional coordination to prevent what he characterized as a ‘race to the bottom’ in program standards. Browne stressed the necessity of collaborative engagement with international partners, urging them to recognize the varying degrees of economic dependence across Caribbean jurisdictions.

    His comments underscore the complex interplay between global financial regulation and developing economies, particularly highlighting how uniform approaches to policy changes might inadvertently jeopardize smaller nations with limited economic diversification.

  • “No subordination,” Mexican President responds to Trump’s threat

    “No subordination,” Mexican President responds to Trump’s threat

    Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has articulated a firm stance on her nation’s relationship with the United States, emphasizing a partnership of equals in security matters while unequivocally rejecting interventionist policies. Her statements, reported by La Jornada newspaper, come in direct response to recent aggressive rhetoric from US leadership.

    “We maintain an excellent relationship with the United States regarding security and other critical issues. There exists open communication and mutual understanding on security matters,” President Sheinbaum stated, establishing the foundation of bilateral cooperation.

    The Mexican leader drew a clear distinction in her foreign policy approach, emphasizing: “As we have consistently maintained: our collaboration is based on coordination, never subordination.” This declaration serves as a direct rebuttal to recent interventionist threats emanating from US policy circles.

    Sheinbaum’s comments follow disturbing developments in Venezuela, where military aggression resulted in the abduction of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores. In the aftermath of these events, US leadership engaged in speculation about drug cartels allegedly governing the Central American nation, further escalating tensions.

    The Mexican president expressed strong disapproval of US aggression against Venezuela, characterizing such actions as violations of international law and national sovereignty. Her administration’s position reinforces Mexico’s commitment to non-intervention principles while maintaining necessary security cooperation with northern neighbors.

    This diplomatic positioning occurs amid concerning suggestions from US officials that “something must be done with Mexico” to stem the flow of illicit substances across borders, raising concerns about potential unilateral actions that could undermine bilateral relations and regional stability.

  • Zuid-Korea en China in gesprek te midden van regionale spanningen

    Zuid-Korea en China in gesprek te midden van regionale spanningen

    South Korean President Lee Jae Myung arrived in Beijing on Sunday for a pivotal four-day state visit, marking his first official trip to China since assuming office in June 2025. The carefully timed diplomatic mission unfolds against a backdrop of escalating regional tensions, particularly regarding Taiwan and the Korean Peninsula.

    President Lee was greeted with full ceremonial honors upon his afternoon arrival, with plans to engage in comprehensive discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping—their second high-level meeting within two months. In pre-departure remarks recorded at Seoul’s Blue House for China’s state broadcaster CCTV, Lee emphasized the critical importance of Sino-South Korean relations while reaffirming Seoul’s adherence to the ‘One-China’ policy regarding Taiwan. He characterized President Xi as “a genuinely reliable neighbor” and stressed that healthy bilateral relations must be founded on mutual respect.

    The visit occurs amid heightened military posturing in the region. Recent provocations include Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s November statement suggesting potential military intervention if China acts against Taiwan, which prompted Beijing to conduct large-scale military exercises around the island last week. Simultaneously, China’s Foreign Ministry accused Taiwan’s government of pursuing independence with U.S. support, leading to Chinese sanctions against twenty American defense companies in December.

    President Lee navigates a delicate balancing act, maintaining that South Korea’s military alliance with the United States need not deteriorate relations with China or lead to confrontation. He acknowledged that previous misunderstandings have hampered bilateral cooperation and expressed his intention to use this visit to bridge differences and elevate collaborative efforts.

    The agenda extends beyond bilateral matters to include critical discussions about North Korea’s nuclear program. Seoul and Washington have repeatedly urged China—Pyongyang’s traditional ally—to leverage its influence to bring North Korea back to negotiation tables and facilitate denuclearization. These talks gained additional urgency as North Korea test-launched multiple ballistic missiles toward the sea on Sunday, demonstrating military capabilities ahead of an upcoming party congress.

    President Lee’s schedule includes meetings with National People’s Congress Chairman Zhao Leji and Premier Li Qiang, where officials anticipate in-depth conversations on security and economic cooperation. South Korean National Security Advisor Wi Sung-lac emphasized that the administration seeks concrete outcomes that will directly benefit citizens of both nations.

    This diplomatic engagement represents South Korea’s strategic effort to carve out political space within East Asia’s complex geopolitical landscape, where tensions between major powers continue to intensify. The outcomes of these discussions may significantly influence regional power dynamics and stability in the coming months.

  • Zimbabwe joins Cuba decryig US aggression against Venezuela

    Zimbabwe joins Cuba decryig US aggression against Venezuela

    Cuba’s state television network ZBC has broadcast an official statement from the Revolutionary Government delivering a vehement condemnation of United States actions against Venezuela. The declaration characterizes recent US naval deployments in the Caribbean Sea as criminal violations of international law and the United Nations Charter.

    The broadcast emphasized Havana’s firm support for Venezuelan Executive Vice President Delcy Rodriguez while demanding the immediate release of Venezuela’s president and first lady Cilia Flores from US custody. The Cuban government framed these developments as a significant escalation in what it describes as a sustained campaign of warfare that Washington has waged against Venezuela for years.

    According to the statement, this aggressive military mobilization since September has been conducted under what Cuban authorities deem unfounded pretenses and accusations. The Revolutionary Government accused the United States of pursuing control over Venezuela’s substantial natural resources through what it labeled ‘flagrant imperialist and fascist aggression.’

    Cuba further asserted that Washington’s objectives extend beyond resource acquisition to include the intimidation of governments throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. The statement warned that these actions directly undermine regional peace commitments, specifically referencing the Proclamation of Latin America and the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace—a document unanimously adopted by regional governments in January 2014.

    The Cuban government positioned these developments as a revival of US hegemonic ambitions rooted in the historical Monroe Doctrine, suggesting a return to interventionist policies that threaten the sovereignty of nations throughout ‘Our America.’

  • Travel Update received from V.C. Bird International Airport

    Travel Update received from V.C. Bird International Airport

    In a significant aviation development, the United States has officially removed all airspace restrictions previously imposed over the Caribbean region. This decisive action enables the immediate resumption of standard flight operations between the U.S. and affected Caribbean destinations, effective today.

    V.C. Bird International Airport has confirmed the restoration of regular flight schedules following the regulatory change. Major U.S. carriers have swiftly adjusted their operations to accommodate the lifted restrictions. American Airlines has announced an additional service from Miami International Airport (MIA), with a return flight to Miami scheduled for today. Similarly, Delta Airlines will conduct its Atlanta route with both arrival and return services operating as normal.

    Regional carrier Sky High Aviation has also modified its timetable, advancing its typically Saturday-only flight to operate today. This expedited response demonstrates the aviation industry’s readiness to restore connectivity following the regulatory adjustment.

    Travel authorities strongly recommend that passengers arrive at airport terminals a minimum of three hours before their scheduled departure time. Additionally, travelers are advised to contact their airlines directly for the most current information regarding specific flight details, potential schedule adjustments, and any remaining travel protocols.

  • Browne says Ghanaian nurses hired to protect health system

    Browne says Ghanaian nurses hired to protect health system

    Prime Minister Gaston Browne has revealed that Antigua and Barbuda’s recruitment of Ghanaian nursing professionals constitutes a strategic safeguard for the nation’s healthcare infrastructure. This decision emerges from mounting concerns over potential disruptions to Cuba’s medical brigade program in the Caribbean due to escalating U.S. opposition.

    During an appearance on Pointe FM’s Browne and Browne Show, the Prime Minister articulated that Washington’s increasingly adversarial stance toward Cuba’s international medical initiatives prompted this proactive measure. Rather than displacing current Cuban medical staff, this recruitment serves as an insurance policy against sudden operational voids that could emerge from geopolitical tensions.

    “The United States has demonstrated pronounced hostility toward the Cuban medical brigade,” Browne stated. “Consequently, we deemed it imperative to implement risk management strategies to cushion our healthcare system against potential fallout.”

    Browne emphasized that the government’s approach focuses on maintaining healthcare continuity, particularly if circumstances necessitate the abrupt departure of Cuban medical personnel. The administration initiated negotiations with Ghana several months ago, resulting in an imminent deployment of healthcare professionals to the twin-island nation.

    Approximately 115 nurses from Ghana are scheduled to arrive in Antigua within the coming days, marking a significant expansion of the country’s medical workforce diversification efforts. This bilateral arrangement represents both a practical response to regional geopolitical dynamics and an enhancement of Antigua and Barbuda’s healthcare resilience.