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In a statement to Prensa Latina, Gupta also paid tribute to the 32 Cubans who were killed in defense of President Nicolas Maduro, and to all the Venezuelans who also gave their lives defending their homeland, their president and the first combatant, Cilia Flores.

In addition, she called the attack perpetrated on January 3 by the administration of President Donald Trump against Venezuela and the kidnapping of the presidential couple of the South American nation a brazen aggression.

The professor of the Jammia Islamia University also told the Venezuelans that in all social networks and on throughout India there is a consensus condemning what she described as brutal aggression.

She pointed out that the Indian people also rejects the repeated threats by Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other White House officials against the sovereignty and independence of Cuba.

Gupta also expressed her anger and grief at the silence of several governments that have become accomplices.

Finally, she emphasized that while these authorities are silent the people are in the streets, in protest for the US aggression States against Venezuela, which is actually also directed to all sovereign peoples, she said.

abo/rc/lrd

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The head of the Cuban diplomatic mission went to the Simon Bolivar Cultural Center in Bogota, where the Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic is collecting expressions of solidarity and support.

On behalf of the Government and people of Cuba, De Cespedes conveyed his deepest condolences to the sister nation.

“Cuban and Venezuelan blood was shed by imperialist shrapnel will continue to point the way to victory and a united, sovereign, and independent America, as our founding fathers envisioned, from Bolivar and Marti to Chavez and Fidel,” he wrote.

In his statement, the ambassador also strongly condemned the kidnapping of President Nicolas Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores, “whom we will accompany until their return to the Homeland of the Liberator,” he emphasized. According to Venezuelan Minister of the Interior, Justice, and Peace, Diosdado Cabello, the United States’ aggression against that country caused at least 100 deaths.

In addition to the civilian victims, there were 42 Venezuelan military personnel killed, as well as 32 Cuban combatants who were carrying out missions representing the Revolutionary Armed Forces and the Ministry of the Interior, at the request of their counterparts in the Bolivarian nation.

jdt/rc/ifs

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Every day, President Claudia Sheinbaum gives a morning presidential press conference and Mexico Solidarity Media posts English language summaries, translated by Mexico Solidarity’s Pedro Gellert Frank. Previous press conference summaries are available here.

Sovereign Mexico Against Interventionism

President Claudia Sheinbaum affirmed that Mexico is an independent country and recalled that the last foreign intervention cost it half its territory. She pointed out that the PRIAN seeks foreign intervention due to its internal weakness and that they hoped the call with Trump would go badly in order to attack the 4T. She reiterated that Mexico cooperates, engages in dialogue, and relates as an equal with any country.

Historic Recovery of the Public Healthcare System

The President explained that the deterioration of the healthcare system stems from its decentralization during the Zedillo administration and Fox’s Seguro Popular. With López Obrador, IMSS-Bienestar was integrated and abandoned hospitals were rescued. In 2025, 175 operating rooms and Health Routes were activated, and in 2026, waiting times will decrease with more specialists and equipment.

Public Healthcare Breaks Records in 2025

IMSS, ISSSTE, and IMSS-Bienestar achieved record high figures. IMSS performed 2 million surgeries, 30 million specialty consultations, and 100 million family medicine consultations. ISSSTE exceeded its goals with 308,579 surgeries and 24.29 million consultations.

IMSS-Bienestar surpassed its goals with over 51 million consultations, 6 million specialty consultations, 500,000 births, and more than 250 transplants. For 2026, new hospitals were announced along with the massive delivery of pharmaceuticals, advancing toward a Universal Healthcare System.

Fertilizers: Productive Sovereignty for the Countryside

The President recalled that Fertinal was privatized and abandoned during the neoliberal period and recovered by AMLO. Today the plant produces fertilizers and is being modernized, with an ammonia pipeline project to increase production. Most fertilizers are delivered free of charge to small producers, with the goal of self-sufficiency.

Cell Phone Registration Is Not Surveillance

Sheinbaum clarified that the registration of cell phone lines is being undertaken by the companies, which also safeguard users’ data. Only in the case of a crime do authorities request information. It is not a surveillance system, but a tool for security and the administration of justice.

TV Azteca and Audience Rights

Regarding the Puebla government’s complaint of alleged extortion by TV Azteca, Sheinbaum said it is “self-explanatory” and reiterated that the law has already been amended to guarantee audience rights. She announced that Pepe Merino, head of the Government Digital Transformation Agency, will explain the new legal framework.

AI, Frauds, and Informational Sovereignty

The President warned about frauds and fake videos created with artificial intelligence and the need to regulate it without censorship. She reported that the government is promoting a public AI laboratory and regional cooperation to democratize information and prevent technology from falling into the hands of private interests.

• 

  Mañanera

  People’s Mañanera January 13

  January 13, 2026January 13, 2026

  President Sheinbaum’s daily press conference, with comments on Mexican sovereignty, recovering public healthcare, re-socializing fertilizer production, cell-phone registration, audience rights, and Artificial Intelligence legislation.

• 

  News Briefs

  Sheinbaum: Those Seeking US Intervention Have No Internal Power in Mexico

  January 13, 2026

  President Claudia Sheinbaum reiterated that Mexico’s and her government’s position is enshrined in the Mexican Constitution, which establishes the principle of non-military intervention.

• 

  News Briefs

  World Cup Boycott Calls Grow in Response to Trump

  January 13, 2026

  “How can the United States be rewarded with hosting the World Cup, with its hands stained with Palestinian blood and an illegal attack on Venezuela?”

The post People’s Mañanera January 13 appeared first on Mexico Solidarity Media.

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This article by Jorge Salcedo originally appeared in the January 13, 2026 edition of El Sol de México.

President Claudia Sheinbaum said that those who call for or seek US intervention in Mexico to address the country’s security situation lack internal power in Mexico and depend on others to gain influence.

In a morning press conference, the President of the Republic said that opposition groups in Mexico prefer that the government headed by Sheinbaum fares poorly regarding the call she held with her US counterpart, Donald Trump, in response to his statements about wanting to attack these criminal groups in Mexico by land.

Sheinbaum reiterated that Mexico’s and her government’s position is enshrined in the Mexican Constitution, which establishes the principle of non-military intervention. She also emphasized that her government maintains a framework of understanding for collaboration between countries, but not the subordination of the Mexican people to the demands of the United States.

In this regard, Sheinbaum stated that opposition groups to her government, particularly the PRIAN (a coalition of the National Action Party and the Institutional Revolutionary Party), were hoping for a negative outcome from the call between the heads of state. However, she reiterated that these groups lack popular support in the country.

” Who is seeking intervention? Those who lack internal strength , those who rely on others to guarantee their influence in our country,” President Claudia Sheinbaum pointed out.

• 

  Mañanera

  People’s Mañanera January 13

  January 13, 2026January 13, 2026

  President Sheinbaum’s daily press conference, with comments on Mexican sovereignty, recovering public healthcare, re-socializing fertilizer production, cell-phone registration, audience rights, and Artificial Intelligence legislation.

• 

  News Briefs

  Sheinbaum: Those Seeking US Intervention Have No Internal Power in Mexico

  January 13, 2026

  President Claudia Sheinbaum reiterated that Mexico’s and her government’s position is enshrined in the Mexican Constitution, which establishes the principle of non-military intervention.

• 

  News Briefs

  World Cup Boycott Calls Grow in Response to Trump

  January 13, 2026

  “How can the United States be rewarded with hosting the World Cup, with its hands stained with Palestinian blood and an illegal attack on Venezuela?”

The post Sheinbaum: Those Seeking US Intervention Have No Internal Power in Mexico appeared first on Mexico Solidarity Media.

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From sanctions enforcer, to blockade instigator, to investment broker, Trump plays a dirty game.

A few days ago, Donald Trump held a meeting at the White House with a group of representatives from US, European, and other international oil companies. The focus of the meeting was to discuss “investment opportunities” in Venezuela’s oil sector.

The meeting itself reflects the style and geopolitical agenda of the US president. Although Trump made positive remarks about the current Venezuelan government, no representatives of Venezuela’s government were present. Essentially, Trump personally assumed a role similar to that of a real estate/oil broker, seeking to highlight “achievements” supposedly benefiting “the United States and Venezuela.”

Trump’s maneuvers suggest, however, a longer-term intention to reposition Venezuela as a supplier of raw materials to the Western axis—something that the Venezuelan government has never refused. In reality, Venezuela stopped supplying oil to US and Western companies, and saw its relationship with US and Western companies deteriorate, because of the illegal sanctions imposed on Venezuela’s industries by the US.

One of the most striking anecdotes from the meeting came from Jeff Miller, CEO of Halliburton. When Trump asked why they left Venezuela, Miller replied:

“As a company, we left under the sanctions in 2019. We intended to stay … but when the sanctions came into force, we were asked to leave.”

No formal agreements or binding commitments were announced during the meeting. However, the different positions expressed by the companies suggest a mixed landscape of expectations.

Statements of intentTrump proposed that companies invest “at least US $100 billion of their own money” (not US taxpayers’ money) to rebuild Venezuela’s oil infrastructure with the goal of rapidly increasing production—possibly within 18 months—and lowering oil prices in the United States to around US $50 per barrel.

Clearly, Trump sees Venezuela as part of his domestic energy strategy: he promised to “bring down” crude prices and has claimed that his administration has delivered “the cheapest gasoline” in the past five years.

ExxonMobil and its CEO Darren Woods described Venezuela as “uninvestable” in its current political and legal condition, citing the need for “significant changes” to commercial, legal, and security frameworks. Woods recalled that his company had already been “affected” by two nationalization processes, in 1975 and 2007.

In a similar tone, a representative of ConocoPhillips expressed concern over legal and commercial risks, without committing to rapid investments. That company also lost assets during the 2007 nationalization.

Mike Wirth, speaking for Chevron, showed interest in a rapid increase in production, as the company currently operates in Venezuela (producing around 45,000 barrels per day). Chevron’s CEO indicated a willingness to invest more, though he did not provide specific figures or firm commitments.

Trump praised the company for having stayed in Venezuela, without mentioning the damage caused to Chevron by his own administration. Chevron had been marketing more than 250,000 barrels per day from Venezuela before Trump himself withdrew the licenses granted under the Biden administration.

Repsol and its CEO Josu Jon Imaz—whose company maintains limited operations in Venezuela—said the firm is “ready to invest heavily” and triple its production within three years. This would mean raising output from the current level of around 45,000 barrels per day.

Other companies—such as Shell and ENI—expressed general interest in increasing investments and production “immediately,” according to US Energy Secretary Chris Wright; again, concrete details were not provided.

Key aspectsOverall, executives praised the “opportunity” offered by Trump, though some injected “a dose of realism” by highlighting security challenges, legal requirements, and “deteriorated infrastructure.”

There is a notable contrast between companies that once operated in Venezuela and now maintain legal claims against the Venezuelan state (ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips) and Western companies that remain in the country, such as Chevron, Repsol, and ENI. The latter have managed to contimue operating largely because the Venezuelan government has mediated their situation by demanding or negotiating oil licenses with recent US administrations.

Harry Sargeant III of Oil Trading Company attended the meeting, representing a firm that has marketed Venezuelan crude during the sanctions period. It is one of several “smaller companies” that could participate in Venezuela if larger firms do not.

On January 11, Trump said he was “inclined” to leave ExxonMobil out of his plans for Venezuela’s oil sector, accusing the company of “trying to be clever.” This was a response to Woods’ remarks at the meeting.

Another evident element of the gathering is that as an oil portfolio, Trump’s offer is neither truly new nor particularly significant.

Basically, the largest companies at the meeting—the most optimistic ones—are already operating in Venezuela. Others, such as Shell and BP, have engaged with Venezuela in other energy agreements (especially gas), but their activities have been hindered by illegal sanctions and the revocation of licenses.

What exists so far is a reshuffling of the same companies that were already benefiting from Joe Biden’s licensing policy, with the possibility that they may increase their investments. It is also possible that other smaller companies will answer the US president’s call as he acts like a real estate/oil broker.

The investment outlook has other dimensions such as the concession regime that currently favors Chinese companies in many Venezuelan oil fields. Chinese firms face major difficulties investing due to illegal sanctions. Trump has said he will “expel” China from Venezuela and reduce its position, turning it into a buyer of the product instead. Along these lines, he also mentioned Russia as a possible customer for Venezuelan crude “under US commercial control.”

However, control of concessions on the ground still lies with the Venezuelan state, and China would be in a strong position to negotiate with the United States—with Venezuela’s backing—given that it has already managed to persuade Trump in other areas related to raw materials and technologies (chips and critical minerals).

Several US companies may be reluctant to heed Trump’s call, but Chinese companies already operating in Venezuela could contribute enormously to meeting investment targets and increasing the flow of Venezuelan crude to the market, thus aiding Trump’s strategy. At this point, pragmatic negotiations may prevail over Trump’s ideological agenda—though that remains to be seen.

Meanwhile, energy geopolitics and Venezuela’s commercial situation are heading towards a redefinition—away from the distortions created by illegal sanctions—returning to the pre-2019 context, just before Trump himself imposed a total blockade on Venezuela’s oil sector.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Reuters that additional US sanctions on Venezuela could soon be lifted to facilitate oil sales. “We are decriminalizing the oil that is going to be sold,” he said.

This would open the door to US traders and customers who, until the end of 2024, had already maintained a relationship with Venezuela via Chevron. Nothing new under the sun.

Such a measure would be clearly consistent with the new “confidence” conditions demanded by companies and with the basic requirements for a business-friendly climate. If sanctions are lifted, it would mark a clear distinction compared to the mere issuance of licenses.

Regarding Venezuelan oil, Washington is retracing its own steps as if it were 2018, but now its strategy is accompanied by heavy pressure, the use of force, and a search for commercial and concessionary advantages for US companies. Yet the objective need for Venezuelan oil has remained intact, just as Venezuela’s governmental structure remains intact following the kidnapping of President Nicolás Maduro.

So far, Trump has chosen to work with the government in Caracas, promoting a new framework for bilateral relations and addressing the critical knots of a partnership that could have always existed—had he not purposefully dismantled it himself in earlier years.

Fortress America and the Oil Ultimatum: Venezuela, Hyper-Imperialism, and the Open Consolidation of the American Pole

Featured image:

(Misión Verdad)

Translation: Orinoco Tribune

OT/CB/SL

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This article by Alberto Aceves originally appeared in the January 13, 2026 edition of La Jornada, Mexico’s premier left wing daily newspaper.

The drums of protest and calls to boycott the 2026 FIFA World Cup are beating louder in the United States. Thousands of fans are expressing concern about the tournament’s security, outrage over the armed attack in Venezuela, and the controversial human rights policies of the Donald Trump administration. According to European media, messages promoting ticket cancellations on resale forums, travel agencies, and hotel booking sites have not only prompted extraordinary meetings between officials and representatives of member associations, but have also generated discussions about potential strategies to address the shifting perceptions surrounding the tournament.

Since late last year, an informal group of international supporters created the website BoycottUSA2026.org in response to the violation of civil liberties of visitors from Australia, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and other European countries, who have been deported in various cities by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). “The U.S. government has revoked thousands of visas and denied entry to legal residents,” stated members of the group from New York, the host city of the World Cup final, which is being co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. “Participants must demand that FIFA prioritize the safety and rights of fans and players.”

Social media not only represents a space for grievances for the #BoycottFIFAWorldCup movement, but also a significant mobilization tool. The campaign is coordinated by users who utilize threads on X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok videos to expose the contradiction between sporting values ​​and a long history of violence and abuse ordered by President Donald Trump. “I canceled my World Cup tickets,” announced Lebanese diplomat Mohamad Safa, executive director of PVA Patriotic Vision—a non-governmental organization accredited as a consultant to the United Nations—on Thursday, fearing that ICE agents would consider him a dangerous individual due to his background.

Fan trips from around the world are being cancelled

“ICE can decide I’m a gang member and lock me up in prison for a year without charges, without a hearing, without a trial, without the right to consult a lawyer or make any phone calls. It’s not safe to visit the United States,” Safa wrote, referring to the tightening of the U.S. government’s immigration policies. “Threatening to revoke my U.S. visa in response to the World Cup boycott campaign won’t change anything. Fans around the world are canceling their trips. FIFA expelled Russia from international football. Now it must do the same with Israel; the law applies equally to everyone.”

Although the governing body of soccer maintains that it cannot intervene in geopolitical issues due to a principle of neutrality—anti-immigrant raids, intervention in Venezuela, and Israel’s genocide in the Gaza Strip, for example—in 2022 it acted swiftly to sanction Russia for its military intervention in Ukraine. The creators of the website BoycottUSA2026.org, based in New York—the host city of the tournament final on July 19—promote building a solidarity network among fans, supporters, journalists, and other organizations to “support the immigrant communities where we live” and provide resources on “how to act safely around law enforcement.”

“We must not allow these acts to become normalized.”

2016 US Vice Presidential candidate Ajamu Baraka

The voices of the collective and diplomat Mohamad Safa have also been linked to those of professors, content creators, and political activists, such as Ajamu Baraka, the 2016 US vice-presidential candidate, who has pointed out the potential human rights violations at the World Cup, fueled by FIFA’s convenient ties to Donald Trump. “How can the United States be rewarded with hosting the World Cup, with its hands stained with Palestinian blood and an illegal attack on Venezuela? We must not allow these acts to become normalized. Postpone the matches, boycott the United States,” he wrote on his social media accounts on January 3.

On the nonprofit technology platform Action Network, dedicated to providing tools for progressive groups to mobilize their supporters, raise funds, and manage political campaigns, more than 3,240 people have launched an initiative urging FIFA and the International Olympic Committee to ban the United States and Israel from hosting or participating in international sporting events. “The world is witnessing massive violations of human rights and the U.S. Constitution as masked agents in unmarked vehicles raid workplaces, homes, and public squares to arrest people and deny them legal representation,” states the petition on actionnetwork.org.

• 

  News Briefs

  World Cup Boycott Calls Grow in Response to Trump

  January 13, 2026

  “How can the United States be rewarded with hosting the World Cup, with its hands stained with Palestinian blood and an illegal attack on Venezuela?”

• 

  Labor | News Briefs

  CIA Cutouts Get $23.4M From US Gov to Interfere in Mexican Unions

  January 13, 2026January 13, 2026

  Creative Associates International, the spooky group behind the infamous Cuban Twitter operation, and an NGO involved in dismantling Venezuela’s food system get fresh injections of cash.

• 

  News Briefs

  Falling Grain Prices Stifling Embattled Mexican Producers

  January 12, 2026

  Another blow for Mexican food sovereignty & farmers, who are already battling the US dumping some of the most heavily subsidized crops in the world.

The post World Cup Boycott Calls Grow in Response to Trump appeared first on Mexico Solidarity Media.

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The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect those ofMexico Solidarity Media*, or theMexico Solidarity Project.*

On January 12th, the US Department of Labor announced it had awarded $15.4 million to Partners of the Americas and $8 million to Creative Associates International to “support efforts with Mexico’s government, private sector, and workers to enforce labor laws and ensure compliance with labor provisions of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, negotiated under the first Trump administration.”

Regime change operative Noy Villalobos initiated the infamous “Cuban Twitter” operation as a manager, and is now Vice President at Creative Associates International.

Creative Associates International is a Washington based removedoutfit which grew into a lucrative contractor for the US military industrial complex during the Reagan period. The organization known by its not-so-subtle acronym CAI was the USAID subcontractor responsible for the three year Zunzuneo operation against Cuba, ending in 2012. Zunzuneo was a direct messaging service disseminated across Cuba ostensibly for sharing news and information, that was used by the US government for surveillance, disruption and regime change purposes.

Journalist Ben Norton has identified the organization’s involvement in other destabilization and anti-democratic interference projects across Central America, and said that in Nicaragua, “with plentiful funding from USAID, the CIA cutout has cynically exploited sensitive issues to increase social divisions, intentionally driving a [wedge] between Nicaraguans and their Sandinista government with programs targeting racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, the LGBT community, and at-risk youth.”

According to EcuRed, “Creative Associates is among the top U.S. government contractors tasked with helping to engineer political transitions,” while journalist Alan Macleod says that “Creative Associates International essentially serves as a semi-privatized government in many countries, overseeing education and healthcare systems, security services and local management. It also provides a wide range of clandestine services: spying, intelligence and regime-change operations.”

Partners of the Americas had previously received a $6.2 million, five year grant from the US government, in order to “Ensure a smooth transition from government-controlled food distribution system under the Maduro regime to a market-based food system under a new Venezuelan government.”

American labour leader George Meany was an eager partner with US imperialism in its attacks on international trade unionism.

Union density in Mexico is not as substantial as it is in other Latin American countries like Argentina, Cuba and Colombia, but Mexico’s trade unions have a long, radical history and still retain an important place in the country’s political and economic life.

Radical, class-conscious organizations like the CNTE co-exist (uneasily) in the movement along with the traditional yellow “charro” unions (many now transferring allegiance from the PRI to Morena) and newly formed “independent” trade unions operating primarily in the auto sector, who have benefitted from the USMCA’s Rapid Response Mechanism, which allows the US government significant powers to interfere in Mexican labour relations and cancel exports to the US markets under the guise of protecting workers rights when a complaint is initiated, but does not offer similar powers to Canadian and Mexican governments.

With labour relations in Mexico undergoing significant changes since the first Fourth Transformation government took power in 2018 in a country dominated by US and multinational corporate ownership, it’s no surprise that US imperialism would continue putting money into the trade union sector, as it did in 2021, when Vice-President Kamala Harris, on her first trip abroad, announced $130 million “for advice to improve labor legislation” in Mexico.

Mexican labour, which is heavily exploited for the benefit of US corporations, has long been under surveillance and outright attack, but it’s also feasible that US imperialism in the Trump period is continuing with a more long-term project to introduce misnamed “International” unions into Mexico, as already exist in Canada.

International unions ostensibly represent workers in both Canada and the US and arose out of the 19th century, often producing strong class-struggle organizations, but in practice since the Cold War are headquartered in the United States, integrated into the US military security apparatus through bureaucratic relationships, funding and partnerships, and even respond primarily to American interests. Only this week, the Seafarers International Union, joined the American Maritime Officers, International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots and the Marine Engineers Beneficial Association in a letter begging US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to get a cut of the natural resource wealth of the Venezuelan people that US imperialism is attempting to steal from after the January 3rd attack and kidnapping of that country’s President Nicolas Maduro and First Combatant Celia Flores. In the last year, President Sean Fain of the United Autoworkers (an international union) has been extremely supportive of Trump’s tariffs on Canada and Mexico, including auto tariffs, despite representing workers in Canada whose jobs are affected by it.

While the US government enacted large budget cuts at USAID in 2025, a move President Sheinbaum celebrated, while suggesting it would be “better if they shut it down,” this appears to be administrative and political bickering, not an end to US imperialism’s long-standing priorities of international interference, anti-democratic meddling and regime change. Money still flows to former USAID collaborators like the AFL-CIO’s misnamed Solidarity Center (which despite being founded by the federation receives over 90% of its funding from the US state), to CIA-cutouts like Creative Associates International and the Partners of Americas. While the organizations continued presence in Mexico should be alarming enough, in the context of US aggression against Venezuela (which Partners of the Americas was heavily involved in) and President Trump’s recent comments about attacking Mexico, this recent funding announcement for CAI and the Partners of Americas should be an issue of immediate concern to the Mexican working class.

• 

  News Briefs

  World Cup Boycott Calls Grow in Response to Trump

  January 13, 2026

  “How can the United States be rewarded with hosting the World Cup, with its hands stained with Palestinian blood and an illegal attack on Venezuela?”

• 

  Labor | News Briefs

  CIA Cutouts Get $23.4M From US Gov to Interfere in Mexican Unions

  January 13, 2026January 13, 2026

  Creative Associates International, the spooky group behind the infamous Cuban Twitter operation, and an NGO involved in dismantling Venezuela’s food system get fresh injections of cash.

• 

  News Briefs

  Falling Grain Prices Stifling Embattled Mexican Producers

  January 12, 2026

  Another blow for Mexican food sovereignty & farmers, who are already battling the US dumping some of the most heavily subsidized crops in the world.

The post CIA Cutouts Get $23.4M From US Gov to Interfere in Mexican Unions appeared first on Mexico Solidarity Media.

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This remark was reported by Wafa, citing UN Secretary-General’s Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric during a press briefing, in which he discussed recent assessments by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

Dujarric noted that adverse weather conditions are jeopardizing the limited progress made in addressing the enormous shelter needs in the Palestinian enclave.

The UN official indicated that at least 1.1 million people continue to require urgent assistance, as heavy rains continue to damage and destroy most existing shelters.

Regarding the nutritional situation, the spokesperson specified that UN humanitarian partners conducted screening tests on more than 76,000 children during the last month, identifying nearly 4,900 new cases of acute malnutrition.

With these figures, he added, the total number of acute malnutrition cases detected in the Gaza Strip during 2025 rises to nearly 95,000, reflecting the magnitude and persistence of the humanitarian crisis facing the territory’s population.

abo/iff/lam/fm

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The executive branch will thus fulfill an agreement signed with that organization to put into effect the official provision that will replace the old document, rejected by popular demonstrations since mid-December, including dozens of road blockades, the Unitel television network added.

Authorities announced on Monday the approval of Supreme Decree 5516, in place of the disputed Decree 5503, although the new version maintains important economic measures, which have not yet been published in the Official Gazette, so the public reaction is unknown, according to the television network.

That procedure will be completed “in the coming hours,” Minister of Public Works, Services, and Housing Mauricio Zamora emphasized on Tuesday, after six cabinet ministers signed an agreement on Sunday guaranteeing the implementation of the new regulation within two days.

Leaders of the COB (Bolivian Workers’ Center), for their part, commented that the government drafted the text of the new decree without the presence of representatives from the affected sectors, Unitel reported.

The commitment of the labor federation and its affiliated organizations that support it in the mobilizations is to lift the pressure tactics only when the authorities promulgate the decree.

abo/arm/mem/apb

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The responsibility of the military command, with the backing of the ministers, is to assess the level of danger and ensure that the benefits of deployment outweigh any possible risks, Knighton stated in response to a question in Parliament regarding guarantees for British troops.

The high command acknowledged that, although he is confident he can guarantee the safety of British military personnel, “in a real operational environment there is no such thing as zero risk,” thus underscoring the limitations of any future commitment.

Defense analysts consulted by the media outlet believe that the statements reflect the caution and divisions within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) regarding a direct military intervention in Ukraine, despite the bellicose rhetoric of some European political sectors.

The statement comes amid growing internal pressure and debates about the extent of Western support for Kiev.

abo/arm/mem/ehl/amp

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Farmworkers began gathering on the outskirts of this capital since early Tuesday, convened by the National Federation of Farmers’ Unions (FNSEA), the largest union organization, and the Young Farmers, although other organizations joined the mobilization.

At the heart of their demands are the EU-MERCOSUR deal, which they consider a promoter of unfair competition, and the existence of regulations and procedures that hinder the work of the sector.

They denounce that producing in France is becoming increasingly complicated, and on top of that, the country would import products from South America that do not have to face the same regulations and requirements.

Official sources state that some 350 tractors entered Paris, prompting the closure of iconic sites such as the Champs-Elysees, the Pont de l’Alma, and the Pont Alexandre III, while the protest organizers claim that more than 500 tractors are already in this capital.

The protesters went to the National Assembly to express their discontent and demand immediate action from the Government.

The FNSEA warned that farmers would not leave Paris without getting answers.

abo/iff/lam/wmr

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With no date yet set, preparations have already begun in the country to receive His Holiness, who is coming to Angola at the invitation of the national bishops and President João Lourenço.

“At this moment, we are in the preparation phase for the Pope’s visit. I want to emphasize that there are no details yet regarding the exact date, but these will be communicated once they are finalized by the Holy See,” the Apostolic Nuncio stated.

He invited all the faithful of the Catholic Church and all Angolans in general to “prepare for this very important event,” adding that the Holy Father’s visit should become an opportunity to rediscover and share the best values ​​of the Angolan people.

According to a statement from the Apostolic Nunciature in Angola, the pastoral visit will focus on faith, peace, reconciliation, and hope, with meetings planned with state authorities, religious leaders, and the faithful.

Den Jose Manuel Imbamba, president of the Episcopal Conference of Angola and São Tomé (Ceast), emphasized during the press conference the gratitude of Angolan Catholics for this news and affirmed that they will work to ensure the distinguished visitor feels welcome.

abo/arm/mem/kmg

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The statement from the military body, published this Tuesday on its official Telegram channel, specified that the attack against companies within Ukraine’s military-industrial complex is in response to terrorist actions by Kiev against civilian targets in Russia.

The military ministry added that, as a result, all designated targets of the attack were hit.

Tactical aircraft, drones, missile forces, and artillery from Russian Armed Forces groups attacked storage sites for long-range unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as temporary deployment points of Ukrainian armed forces and foreign mercenaries in 150 districts.

It was also reported that air defense systems shot down 11 guided bombs, two US HIMARS MLRS missiles, and 207 drones.

abo/arm/lam/gfa

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According to the Palestinian news agency Wafa, among the victims was 15-year-old Rimas Bilal Hamouda, who died when part of the Orgenza Hall, located near the chalets west of the city, collapsed, bringing the death toll in that area to three.

Wafuaa Shreir, 33, also died when a wall of a house damaged by a previous Israeli bombing collapsed near Al-Thawra Street, also in western Gaza.

The Palestinian Ministry of Public Works and Housing reported that the Israeli offensive launched in October 2023 resulted in the destruction of approximately 352,000 homes in the Gaza Strip, of which around 200,000 were completely destroyed and another 60,000 suffered partial damage.

According to the same source, more than 90% of the territory’s civilian infrastructure has been affected, severely impacting the daily lives of the population.

Local authorities warned that numerous damaged buildings pose an imminent danger and could collapse at any moment, while international organizations, including the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross, warned that the continued destruction of homes exacerbates the humanitarian crisis and leaves thousands of families without safe shelter.

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In an interview with the newspaper Corriere della Sera, published Tuesday, the Italian Foreign Minister stated that contacts between the two sides have become increasingly intense in recent days, referring to his telephone conversation last Sunday with his counterpart, Yvan Gil.

The two ministers discussed the Venezuelan government’s decision to release several Italian citizens, a matter considered a high priority by Rome, and also addressed the state of diplomatic relations, after which they agreed to elevate their respective diplomatic missions to the rank of ambassador.

Since 2019, both nations had maintained only a chargé d’affaires at their embassies, reflecting a limited level of diplomatic representation. Therefore, this new agreement represents a significant shift in bilateral relations.

“In practice, we are certainly trying to rebuild better relations with a country that is strategic for us, because one million Venezuelans are of Italian descent, 170,000 hold Italian passports, and Venezuela is a political priority, where we have geopolitical interests as well as industrial and economic ones,” Tajani stated.

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According to reports published by the WAFA news agency, around 127,000 of the 135,000 tents set up in the enclave are currently uninhabitable, amid a severe shortage of blankets, mattresses, and heating supplies.

The displaced face extreme cold without adequate protection against the damp and low temperatures, especially in remote and isolated areas.

The sources indicate that the lack of blankets and heating supplies exceeds 70% across the Strip, with the situation being even more critical in camps far from urban centers.

Entire families, including children and the elderly, are forced to sleep on the ground inside dilapidated tents that offer no protection from the wind and rain.

Since the start of the Israeli war in October 2023, 303 shelters and 61 food distribution centers have been bombed, leaving most displaced families without heat or shelter.

Medical sources reported that these conditions have led to the deaths of at least 21 displaced people from the extreme cold, including 18 children in refugee camps.

In addition, tens of thousands of cases of respiratory and infectious diseases have been reported, exacerbated by the lack of heating and the collapse of the health system following the destruction of 38 hospitals and the shutdown of 96 health centers.

Meanwhile, at least four Palestinians died today in Gaza City when buildings and homes previously damaged by Israeli attacks collapsed due to strong winds and rain that lashed the territory.

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According to a confidential report published by the newspaper Het Financieele Dagblad, the rules the EU is preparing for a €90 billion loan to Kiev “could force Ukraine to spend those funds exclusively on purchases from European companies,” which “would damage its defense capabilities.”

The Netherlands proposes legally guaranteeing that at least €15 billion of that loan can be used for purchases in the United States, arguing that critical parts such as spare parts for F-16 fighter jets and Patriot missiles come from there.

European policy analysts believe that the Dutch stance reflects the struggle between the industrial protectionism of powers like France and the pragmatic prioritization of Ukrainian rearmament, even outside the bloc.

The lack of consensus is palpable, with France pushing for the funds to be spent within the EU and countries like Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic refusing even to participate in the joint credit mechanism.

Presented as a “zero-interest loan,” the measure is conditional on Ukraine being able to repay it with future “reparations” from Russia, a premise that Moscow has called illusory and which only exacerbates the conflict.

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During an interview with Chinese media, Wang noted that the strategic dialogue between the two sides, held at the African Union headquarters, aims to coordinate positions and jointly address current global challenges.

The top diplomat underscored that the launch of the China-Africa Year of Cultural Exchanges reflects a consensus reached between President Xi Jinping and African leaders in the context of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

The minister indicated that the program includes nearly 600 activities in areas such as youth, culture, and media, aimed at expanding mutual understanding and the social benefits of cooperation.

He highlighted that this was the 36th consecutive visit by a Chinese foreign minister to Africa at the start of the year, reflecting the strategic priority Beijing attaches to the continent.

Wang noted that China will continue to support the continent in the face of external pressures and reiterated its commitment to providing zero tariffs to African countries for their exports to the Chinese market.

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In early January 3, US forces conducted a military operation in Caracas to capture President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.

According to official reports, at least 24 Venezuelan soldiers and 32 Cuban soldiers lost their lives during the operation.

Reports from Venezuelan authorities indicate that at least 100 people died and another 100, some of them civilians, were injured in the attack.

Since it was opened on Friday, thousands of citizens have signed that book and, in addition to expressing condolences for the deaths of the Venezuelan and Cuban soldiers, condemned the hostility of the US Government against Venezuela.

Fernando Gonzalez, President of the Cuban Institute for Friendship with Peoples (ICAP), and the ambassadors of Djibouti, Nasser Mohamed Ousbo; Mali, Traore Safiatou Konate; and Namibia, Lebbius Tangeni were among those who visited the diplomatic headquarters.

Earlier, to honor the Cuban combatants, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel decreed two days of official mourning, during which the national flag was raised at half-mast, and public events were suspended.

The Cuban Government announced on Monday that the remains of the 32 Cuban combatants who died defending Venezuela would arrive in Havana on January 15, where they would receive a posthumous tribute.

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Data from Los Libertadores International Pass shows that between the end of December and the first week of January, some 84,000 people crossed through that border area, compared to more than 107,000 during the same period last summer.

The decline is explained, firstly, by families’ reduced savings capacity, along with adverse weather conditions, which led many Argentine tourists to opt for vacations within their own province or choose other destinations. The exchange rate also played a role, since, with the fall of the dollar, Chileans are giving fewer pesos for the greenback.

At the beginning of this week, the US dollar fell to 888 pesos and, if it maintains this level, will match its lowest point since May 20, 2024. Meanwhile, shopping tourism, which accounted for a significant portion of travel, is undergoing a transformation with the increase in online sales through international platforms.

Analysts also cite the perception of insecurity as a possible cause of the decline in tourism, following an incident on November 27 when a bus carrying 28 Argentine tourists was robbed in the town of Tiltil.

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The objective of the meeting is to discuss with the members of the aforementioned advisory body matters related to the relationship between Colombia and the United States, as well as the situation in Venezuela and other issues inherent to foreign policy.

According to reports, Foreign Minister Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio will present an analysis of the actions taken by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding these topics.

The Foreign Relations Advisory Commission is composed of the nation’s former presidents, six legislators (three from the Senate and three from the House of Representatives) chosen by Congress, and two appointed by the president, as stipulated by Law 68 of 1993.

It is convened when the Government needs to formulate a position on specific issues using diplomatic tools, without compromising national interests.

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The Municipal Public Company Etapa EP, of the southern city of Cuenca, reported that the Tomebamba, Yanuncay, Tarqui, and Machangara rivers have returned to normal levels after several weeks of decline caused by a lack of rainfall.

These rivers feed the Mazar reservoir through the water system formed by Cuenca River and its confluence with Paute River, a key component of national hydroelectric generation, along with other tributaries.

In previous weeks, the reduction in rainfall had generated concern about energy production.

The government reiterated last night that there will be no blackouts and ruled out a drought scenario in the first months of the year, noting that this phenomenon typically occurs between October and December.

Energy Minister Ines Manzano stated in an interview with Teleamazonas that there is no risk of power outages and assured that the country has sufficient energy, even amid fluctuations in the Mazar reservoir levels.

“There will be no blackouts,” the minister affirmed, reiterating that the government has plans to strengthen electricity generation and guarantee supply to homes and businesses in Ecuador.

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According to the information released, the Orange alert will cover the boroughs of Magdalena Contreras, Milpa Alta, and Tlalpan, as experts predict temperatures will range from 1 to 3 degrees Celsius between midnight and 9:00 a.m. local time.

The Yellow alert will be in effect in Alvaro Obregon, Azcapotzalco, Benito Juarez, Coyoacan, Cuauhtemoc, Cuajimalpa, Gustavo A. Madero, Iztacalco, Iztapalapa, Miguel Hidalgo, Tlahuac, Venustiano Carranza, and Xochimilco, with projections of between 4 and 6 degrees Celsius for the same period.

Given these conditions, authorities recommended that citizens wear at least three layers of clothing, preferably cotton or wool; use cream to protect and moisturize their skin against the cold; and avoid sudden temperature changes.

They also suggested drinking plenty of water; consuming fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins A and C; washing hands frequently or using antibacterial gel; and, if any discomfort arises, visiting the nearest health center.

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The Ministry of Agriculture warned in a report on the matter that the aggression by Israeli security forces and settlers also damaged production chains, increased costs, and exacerbated poverty rates among farmers and their families.

The ministry warned that the campaign represents an existential threat to Palestinian agriculture, a direct blow to national food security, and a deliberate attack on the livelihoods of many people.

The attacks that occurred last year are not isolated incidents or collateral damage, but rather represent a systematic policy targeting Palestinian land, water, and natural resources, it emphasized.

The violations, it added, also included Jewish settlement expansion at the expense of agricultural lands.

The report documented attacks on water sources for agricultural use, including the destruction of wells and collection ponds, the sabotage of irrigation networks, the control of springs, and the obstruction of maintenance work.

Damage to infrastructure, such as farm roads, greenhouses, machinery, and equipment, was also reported, it detailed.

According to the report, in 2025 alone, Israeli troops and settlers damaged or uprooted more than 91,000 olive trees, many of them over a century old.

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This will be the second meeting between Lee and Takaichi in less than three months, following their encounter at the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) summit held in South Korea.

Takaichi stated on social media that she hopes to “recall the long history of cultural exchange” between the two countries and project a “future-oriented” relationship.

For his part, South Korean National Security Advisor Wi Sung-lac indicated that the agenda includes topics such as intellectual property, artificial intelligence, and the fight against transnational crime, among others.

In December 2025, tensions between the two countries resurfaced due to a stance supported by Takaichi claiming islands off the South Korean coast as part of its territory.

The islets known as Dokdo were the first place forcibly occupied by Japan during its colonial incursion into the Korean Peninsula, which lasted from 1910 to 1945.

At the end of December, the South Korean government insisted that, for Seoul, sovereignty over the islands is not in dispute; they unequivocally belong to South Korea, and historical and legal records confirm this, as stated in a press release.

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