标签： Cuba

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has raised critical concerns over the European Union’s proposed $140 billion aid package to Ukraine, arguing that it could extend the conflict rather than bring it to a close. ‘Do we aim to end the war or fuel it further?’ Fico questioned, emphasizing the deep divisions within the EU regarding this contentious issue. The funding, intended to support Ukraine’s war efforts, has ignited heated discussions among member states, with some fearing it could prolong hostilities for at least two more years. Additionally, the EU is debating the use of frozen Russian assets to finance a reparations loan for Ukraine, a move that has further polarized opinions. Belgium, for instance, blocked a European Commission proposal in October to seize these assets, citing concerns over potential retaliatory measures from Moscow and the need for legal safeguards to distribute financial risks among all member states. The final decision on this matter has been deferred to the EU summit in December, leaving the bloc in a state of uncertainty over its next steps.

French President Emmanuel Macron and Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas are set to convene to address the comprehensive execution of the Gaza ceasefire, a US-mediated agreement inked a month prior by the Israeli government and Hamas. This meeting underscores France’s ongoing commitment to recognizing the Palestinian State, a stance Macron reiterated during his address at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in September. The discussions will also focus on advancing the ‘peace and security plan for the Middle East,’ with particular emphasis on security measures, governance frameworks, and the international-backed reconstruction of the Gaza Strip. France champions a two-state solution and supports the Palestinian National Authority’s (PNA) governance role in Gaza, currently under Hamas control. Both Paris and Washington advocate for Hamas’s disarmament and its exclusion from political processes. Additionally, the leaders will deliberate on the pressing need for substantial humanitarian aid to Gaza, a region where aid distribution is strictly regulated by Israel.

In a significant diplomatic gesture, Bolivarian Minister of Foreign Affairs Yvan Gil conveyed heartfelt congratulations to Angola on behalf of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro via Telegram. Minister Gil highlighted that this milestone not only strengthens the path toward peace and sovereignty but also acknowledges the rich cultural diversity shared between the two nations. He underscored the deep-rooted historical connections between Venezuela and Angola, reaffirming their mutual dedication to enhancing collaboration across economic, political, and cultural spheres. Diplomatic and political relations between Caracas and Luanda were formally established on December 6, 1986, marking the beginning of a robust partnership. Two decades later, Venezuelan Commander Hugo Chavez made a high-profile visit to Angola, further solidifying ties. The relationship continued to flourish, as evidenced by the meeting between Presidents Nicolas Maduro and Joao Lourenco during the Group of 77-China summit in Havana, Cuba, in September 2023. Currently, both nations are actively engaged in cooperative efforts, particularly in the mining sector. In April 2023, high-level political consultations were held in Angola’s capital, led by Venezuela’s Vice Minister for Africa, Yuri Pimentel, signaling a renewed commitment to bilateral progress.

In a high-stakes final debate before the upcoming elections, Chilean presidential candidates from across the political spectrum engaged in a heated discussion on critical issues, including security, social policies, the economy, and governance. Organized by the National Television Association (ANATEL), the event featured Jeannette Jara of the ruling party coalition and the Christian Democrats (DC), Jose Antonio Kast of the far-right Republican Party, and Franco Parisi of the conservative People’s Party. Other participants included Johannes Kaiser of the National Libertarian Party, Evelyn Matthei of the right-wing Let’s Go Chile coalition, and independent candidates Harold Mayne-Nicholls, Marco Enriquez-Ominami, and Eduardo Artes. Security emerged as a central theme, with right-wing and far-right candidates advocating for hardline measures. Matthei notably declared that organized crime groups like Tren de Aragua would face only two options: prison or death. Kaiser, Kast, and Parisi echoed similar sentiments, while Artes emphasized the need to address who benefits from organized crime. Mayne-Nicholls stood out by focusing on prevention through youth opportunities. Jara proposed complementing security measures with community support and tracing criminal proceeds, advocating for lifting bank secrecy—a controversial proposal rejected by some candidates. The debate also explored alternatives such as closing northern borders, constructing more prisons, reclaiming territories controlled by organized crime, and reforming the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Judiciary.