Monthly Archives: December 2019

2019-12-29: News Headlines

teleSUR (2019-12-29). Venezuelan Diplomat Demands EU Abandon Regime Change Policy. telesurenglish.net The Venezuelan Ambassador to France, Michel Mujica, called on the European Union to respect international law and halt their support for self-proclaimed interim president Juan Guaido. | RELATED: | Maduro: Armed Forces, Commitment and Loyalty | Speaking Prensa Latina on Sunday, Mujica said that Venezuela rejects the European Union's interference in the internal affairs of the Bolivarian Republic. The Venezuelan diplomat said the EU's regime change policy is a clear violation of international proto…

Martha Grevatt (2019-12-28). After millions strike Nov. 21, Colombian people stay in the streets. workers.org A powerful strike rocked Colombia on Nov. 21, with millions participating across the country of 50 million people. The National Strike Committee initially called only a one-day strike to oppose anti-worker legislation. Dec. 21, "Medellin resists singing" concert supports weeks of strikes and protests. But masses of people have stayed . . . | Continue reading After millions strike Nov. 21, Colombian people stay in the streets at Workers.org

teleSUR (2019-12-28). Maduro: Armed Forces, Commitment and Loyalty. telesurenglish.net The President of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro led Saturday the act of salutation to the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB), where he highlighted the loyalty and commitment of the military in defense of the country's sovereignty and peace. | RELATED: | Venezuela's Armed Forces Denounce Attack on Military Base | "I am standing today, more optimistic than ever about the future of our Nation and more grateful than ever for the loyalty, professionalism and cohesion of the Bolivarian Nat…

Alan Macleod (2019-12-27). Pro-Coup Venezuelan Soldiers Who Fled to the US Now Locked Up in ICE Detention Center. mintpressnews.com In an ironic twist worthy of an Alanis Morissette song, participants in U.S.-backed coup are now in an ICE detention camp.

Peoples Dispatch (2019-12-27). Six social leaders assassinated in past week in Colombia. peoplesdispatch.org The humanitarian tragedy in Colombia continues. In the past five days, too many families and communities have been shaken by the loss of loved ones who were targeted because of their commitment to fighting for peace and justice in the country. | Despite constant demands from movements to the government to take measures to protect the lives of social leaders, assassinations continue to occur with impunity. | Reinaldo Carrillo Vera: | Early on Christmas morning, while Reinaldo Carrillo Vera was celebrating with his family, three armed men came to his home on motorcycles and shot at him. He was immediately t…

teleSUR (2019-12-27). Barbados: Kwanzaa 2019 Celebrations Kicks in Haynesville. telesurenglish.net The Caribbean Movement for Peace and Integration (CMPI) and the Haynesville Youth Club started celebrations for this year's Kwanzaa in Barbados with a spectacular cultural showcase on Boxing Day, joined by the Cuban Barbadian Friendship Association and the Friends of Venezuela Solidarity Committee. | RELATED: | Christmas in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Meaningful Mosaic of Traditions | The General Secretary of the CMPI, David Denny said that as part of thi…

teleSUR (2019-12-27). Venezuela: Social Program Meets Goal, Delivers 3 Million Homes. telesurenglish.net Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro Thursday announced that the Venezuelan Great Housing Mission (GMVV) achieved its 2019 goal by completing the delivery of 3 million dwellings to the Bolivarian people as planned. | RELATED: | Venezuela's Economy Will Grow in 2020 Despite US Blockade | "Despite the Imperialist economic, trade and financial blockade, which robbed us…

teleSUR (2019-12-27). Duque Accepts Resignation of Colombian Army Commander in Chief. telesurenglish.net The president of Colombia, Iván Duque, announced Friday that the army's Commander in Chief, Nicacio Martínez, will leave his post and will be replaced by General Eduardo Zapateiro. | RELATED: | Colombian Attorney Asks to Stop Murder of Social Leaders | During a press conference, Duque said from the Palace of Nariño that he had had a conversation with Martinez, where he had informed the president of his decision to leave for "family reasons." | This event occurs two weeks after the S…

Nino Pagliccia (2019-12-27). US Congress Approves Legislation to Wage a Hybrid "Humanitarian War" on Venezuela? globalresearch.ca Last December 16 both houses in the US approved the appropriation bill to be signed by president Trump. Aside from the mind-boggling amount of $1.4 trillion that was approved in total our interest was in looking at the details concerning …

teleSUR (2019-12-27). Venezuela's Economy Will Grow in 2020 Despite US Blockade. telesurenglish.net In an interview with the international news agency Xinhua, the Venezuelan economist, Jesus Faria said that economic recovery is the number one issue on the country's agenda for 2020. | RELATED: | Venezuelan Oil Production Sets Historical Record in November | The also former Minister of Foreign Trade and International Investment of Venezuela (2016-2017) stated that "there is a perceived activation of trade and some productive activities as well as a stabilization of the oil activi…

news.un (2019-12-25). The 2010 — 2020 UN News Decade in Review, part two. news.un.org With the 2020s now in full view, welcome to the second in our three-part series looking back at some of the major UN-related stories of the past decade. In part two, we take in the years 2014 to 2016, which saw the worst outbreak of Ebola ever recorded; new hope that the climate crisis could be tackled by world leaders, through the historic Paris climate agreement; a UN mission in Colombia to facilitate a much-awaited peace process; and the launch of the UN's 2030 Agenda, a plan of action for people, the planet and prosperity.

Ricardo Vaz (2019-12-23). Venezuela Repels 'Terrorist' Attack on Military Bases, 1 Soldier Dead. venezuelanalysis.com The assailants stormed several military installations before being engaged by the Venezuelan army.

Joe Emersberger (2019-12-20). Notes on a private TV newscast in Bolivia. The contrast with Venezuela is clear as day. zcomm.org In August, I took detailed notes a news broadcast on one of Venezuela's largest TV networks. I summarized these notes in an interview I did with the Real News Network making the point that Venezuela's private media (which reaches 60-90% of households) is remarkably free — most especially when you consider the US is openly Read more…

Lucas Koerner and Ricardo Vaz (2019-12-18). Venezuela: Guaido Introduces Remote Voting in Bid to Secure Reelection. venezuelanalysis.com The opposition leader has been under fire amid recent scandals.

The Grayzone (2019-12-17). US Venezuelan embassy protectors denied right to fair trial. thegrayzone.com Four US activists protecting Venezuela's embassy in Washington, DC face prison time after the Trump administration illegally arrested them. And now…

Anya Parampil (2019-12-16). Why Elliott Abrams is Smurf villain Gargamel. thegrayzone.com Trump Administration Special Representative for Venezuela Elliott Abram is not only the spitting image of Gargamel; the Smurfs are a…

Paul Dobson (2019-12-16). ALBA Summit: Venezuela Promises to Relaunch PetroCaribe in 2020. venezuelanalysis.com Heads of state also pledged to bolster various regional social programs including the Miracle Mission and Latin American Medical Schools.

Joe Emersberger (2019-12-16). Francisco Rodriguez answers some questions I asked about Venezuela. zcomm.org Venezuelan economist Francisco Rodriguez, formerly of Torino Economics, answered a few questions of mine about his country. He was the economic adviser to Henri Falcon, the second place finisher in the May 2018 presidential election. His updated estimate for 2019 is that Venezuela's real GDP will contract by 25% . That's horrific, but less severe Read more…

Ben Norton (2019-12-14). Gobierno de EEUU retira los cargos falsos contra periodista Max Blumenthal. thegrayzone.com El gobierno estadounidense desistió la causa basada en falsas acusaciones de agresión contra el editor de The Grayzone Max Blumenthal…

Ricardo Vaz (2019-12-11). Venezuela Oil Production Continues Slow Recovery. venezuelanalysis.com According to state oil company PDVSA, production is again approaching one million barrels per day.

Paul Dobson (2019-12-09). Venezuela's Civilian Militia Surpasses Target, Reaches 3.3 Million Members. venezuelanalysis.com The body is due to be legally incorporated into the Armed Forces as a "combat unit."

Lucas Koerner and Ricardo Vaz (2019-12-05). Venezuela: Guaido Embattled as Opposition Splits over New Corruption Scandal. venezuelanalysis.com The latest scandal has further called into doubt Guaido's credibility as leader of the opposition.

Lucas Koerner (2019-12-04). TIAR Countries Blacklist Top Venezuelan Officials as US Slaps New Sanctions. venezuelanalysis.com US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo accused Venezuela of "hijacking" mass anti-neoliberal protests in "our own backyard."

Ricardo Vaz (2019-12-04). Red Cross Chief: Venezuela Aid Being Politicized to 'Destabilize the Country'. venezuelanalysis.com Francesco Rocca slammed the underfunding of aid programs as a problem of "political will."

Paul Dobson (2019-12-02). Venezuela's PDVSA Secures Temporary Lease Extension for Curacao Refinery. venezuelanalysis.com Despite the extension, refinery owners are looking to end the 34-year cooperation under pressure from US sanctions.

Lucas Koerner (2019-11-28). US Vows to 'Reinforce' Sanctions, Accuses Venezuela and Cuba of Stirring Regional 'Strife'. venezuelanalysis.com Elliott Abrams reiterated support for Guaido and denied that sanctions are damaging the Venezuelan economy.

Paul Dobson (2019-11-25). Venezuela Unveils First Gold Processing Complex in Mining Arc. venezuelanalysis.com While already operational, the complex will reportedly be the 5th largest in the continent upon completion.

Lucas Koerner (2019-11-21). Colombia's US Ambassador Advocates 'Covert Actions' Against Venezuela in Leaked Audio. venezuelanalysis.com Top Colombian officials acknowledged failure of regime change in Venezuela and total disarray in Washington.

Paul Dobson (2019-11-18). Venezuelans Protest Bolivia Coup After Diplomatic Break. venezuelanalysis.com The de facto government in La Paz has broken relations with Caracas and recognised Guaido.

Lucas Koerner (2019-11-14). Venezuelan Embassy Attacked in Brazil. venezuelanalysis.com Bolsonaro denied any prior knowledge of the attack.

Ricardo Vaz (2019-11-14). Venezuelan Oil Output Sees Modest Rise in October: OPEC. venezuelanalysis.com Reviving production has led Chevron convert a blending plant back to a crude upgrader for export of heavier grades.

Paul Dobson (2019-11-11). Venezuela Condemns Bolivia Coup d'État. venezuelanalysis.com Government forces and grassroots movements are holding vigils across the country in support of Evo Morales.

Ricardo Vaz and Lucas Koerner (2019-11-06). US Authorizes Tax Payments to Maduro Gov't, Sanctions Five More Venezuelan Officials. venezuelanalysis.com Washington has eased some of the restrictions imposed under its recent Venezuela embargo.

Paul Dobson (2019-11-04). Venezuela, El Salvador Break Relations as Maduro Applauds 'New Anti-Neoliberal Wave'. venezuelanalysis.com Guatemala's president-elect has similarly pledged to break with the Maduro government upon assuming office in January.

Ricardo Vaz (2019-11-01). Venezuelan Leftist Parties and Unions Stage Protest, Demand Gov't Answers. venezuelanalysis.com Dozens of activists demanded better wages and respect for collective bargaining rights.

Ricardo Vaz (2019-10-30). Venezuela: Opposition Demands Bond Annulment, Gov't Grants Rosneft Tax Breaks. venezuelanalysis.com Rosneft will reportedly invest in natural gas production in Venezuela.

Paul Dobson (2019-10-28). Venezuela Applauds Regional Leftist Victories. venezuelanalysis.com Caracas rejoiced at the "defeat of the IMF" in elections in Argentina, Uruguay, and swathes of Colombia this Sunday.

Lucas Koerner (2019-10-23). US Renews Chevron License as European Refiner Cuts Venezuela Ties over Sanctions. venezuelanalysis.com Finnish-Venezuelan refiner Nynas is one of PDVSA's few remaining cash buyers.

Paul Dobson (2019-10-21). Venezuela Government Hosts International Commune Congress. venezuelanalysis.com Maduro affirmed that popular power is "the soul" of the Bolivarian project.

Lucas Koerner and Ricardo Vaz (2019-10-19). BCV: Venezuelan Economy Contracted by 23.7 Percent in First Trimester of 2019. venezuelanalysis.com The Venezuelan Central Bank also released inflation figures for the first time in six months.

Ricardo Vaz (2019-10-17). Venezuela Elected to UN Human Rights Council. venezuelanalysis.com The Maduro government was elected to a three-year term with backing of 105 out of 195 UN member-states.

2019-12-29: Social Media Postees

Please be social by posting these 'POSTEES' on social media!

Venezuelan Diplomat Demands EU Abandon Regime Change Policy
telesurenglish.net | 2019-12-29
The Venezuelan Ambassador to France, Michel Mujica, called on the European Union to respect international law and halt their support for self-proclaimed interim president Juan Guaido. | RELATED: | Maduro: Armed Forces, Commitment and Loyalty | Speaking Prensa Latina on Sunday, Mujica said that Venezuela rejects the European Union's interference in the internal affairs of the Bolivarian Republic. The Venezuelan diplomat said the EU's regime change policy is a clear violation of international proto…
telesurenglish.net/news/Venezuelan-Diplomat-Demands-EU-Abandon-Regime-Change-Policy–20191229-0004.html

Maduro: Armed Forces, Commitment and Loyalty
telesurenglish.net | 2019-12-28
The President of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro led Saturday the act of salutation to the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB), where he highlighted the loyalty and commitment of the military in defense of the country's sovereignty and peace. | RELATED: | Venezuela's Armed Forces Denounce Attack on Military Base | …
telesurenglish.net/news/Maduro-Armed-Forces-Commitment-and-Loyalty–20191228-0006.html

After millions strike Nov. 21, Colombian people stay in the streets
Martha Grevatt | workers.org | 2019-12-28
A powerful strike rocked Colombia on Nov. 21, with millions participating across the country of 50 million people. The National Strike Committee initially called only a one-day strike to oppose anti-worker legislation. Dec. 21, "Medellin resists singing" concert supports weeks of strikes and protests. But masses of people have stayed . . . | Continue reading After millions strike Nov. 21, Colombian people stay in the streets at Workers.org
workers.org/2019/12/45175/

Six social leaders assassinated in past week in Colombia
Peoples Dispatch | peoplesdispatch.org | 2019-12-27
The humanitarian tragedy in Colombia continues. In the past five days, too many families and communities have been shaken by the loss of loved ones who were targeted because of their commitment to fighting for peace and justice in the country. | Despite constant demands from movements to the government to take measures to protect the lives of social leaders, assassinations continue to occur with impunity. | Reinaldo Carrillo Vera: | Early on Christmas morning, while Reinaldo Carrillo Vera was celebrating with his family, three armed men came to his home on motorcycles and shot at him. He was immediately t…
peoplesdispatch.org/2019/12/27/six-social-leaders-assassinated-in-past-week-in-colombia/

Barbados: Kwanzaa 2019 Celebrations Kicks in Haynesville
telesurenglish.net | 2019-12-27
The Caribbean Movement for Peace and Integration (CMPI) and the Haynesville Youth Club started celebrations for this year's Kwanzaa in Barbados with a spectacular cultural showcase on Boxing Day, joined by the Cuban Barbadian Friendship Association and the Friends of Venezuela Solidarity Committee. | RELATED: | Christmas in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Meaningful Mosaic of Traditions | The General Secretary of the CMPI, David Denny said that as part of thi…
telesurenglish.net/news/barbados-kwanzaa-celebrations-kicks-in-haynesville–20191227-0007.html

Venezuela: Social Program Meets Goal, Delivers 3 Million Homes
telesurenglish.net | 2019-12-27
Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro Thursday announced that the Venezuelan Great Housing Mission (GMVV) achieved its 2019 goal by completing the delivery of 3 million dwellings to the Bolivarian people as planned. | RELATED: | Venezuela's Economy Will Grow in 2020 Despite US Blockade | "Despite the Imperialist economic, trade and financial blockade, which robbed us…
telesurenglish.net/news/Venezuela-Social-Program-Meets-Goal-Delivers-3-Million-Homes-20191227-0001.html

Duque Accepts Resignation of Colombian Army Commander in Chief
telesurenglish.net | 2019-12-27
The president of Colombia, Iván Duque, announced Friday that the army's Commander in Chief, Nicacio Martínez, will leave his post and will be replaced by General Eduardo Zapateiro. | RELATED: | Colombian Attorney Asks to Stop Murder of Social Leaders | During a press conference, Duque said from the Palace of Nariño that he had had a conversation with Martinez, where he had informed the president of his decision to leave for "family reasons." | This event occurs two weeks after the S…
telesurenglish.net/news/duque-announces-resignation-commander-of-the-colombian-army-20191227-0006.html

Pro-Coup Venezuelan Soldiers Who Fled to the US Now Locked Up in ICE Detention Center
Alan Macleod | mintpressnews.com | 2019-12-27
In an ironic twist worthy of an Alanis Morissette song, participants in U.S.-backed coup are now in an ICE detention camp.
mintpressnews.com/pro-coup-venezuelan-soldiers-defected-to-us-locked-ice-prisons/263764/

US Congress Approves Legislation to Wage a Hybrid "Humanitarian War" on Venezuela?
Nino Pagliccia | globalresearch.ca | 2019-12-27
Last December 16 both houses in the US approved the appropriation bill to be signed by president Trump. Aside from the mind-boggling amount of $1.4 trillion that was approved in total our interest was in looking at the details concerning …
globalresearch.ca/us-approves-bill-may-legislate-hybrid-warfare-venezuela/5698859

Venezuela's Economy Will Grow in 2020 Despite US Blockade
telesurenglish.net | 2019-12-27
In an interview with the international news agency Xinhua, the Venezuelan economist, Jesus Faria said that economic recovery is the number one issue on the country's agenda for 2020. | RELATED: | Venezuelan Oil Production Sets Historical Record in November | The also former Minister of Foreign Trade and International Investment of Venezuela (2016-2017) stated that "there is a perceived activation of trade and some productive activities as well as a stabilization of the oil activi…
telesurenglish.net/news/Venezuelas-Economy-Will-Grow-in-2020-Despite-US-Blockade-20191226-0019.html

The 2010 — 2020 UN News Decade in Review, part two
news.un.org | 2019-12-25
With the 2020s now in full view, welcome to the second in our three-part series looking back at some of the major UN-related stories of the past decade. In part two, we take in the years 2014 to 2016, which saw the worst outbreak of Ebola ever recorded; new hope that the climate crisis could be tackled by world leaders, through the historic Paris climate agreement; a UN mission in Colombia to facilitate a much-awaited peace process; and the launch of the UN's 2030 Agenda, a plan of action for people, the planet and prosperity.
news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2019/12/1053701

Venezuela Repels 'Terrorist' Attack on Military Bases, 1 Soldier Dead
Ricardo Vaz | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-12-23
The assailants stormed several military installations before being engaged by the Venezuelan army.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14752

Notes on a private TV newscast in Bolivia. The contrast with Venezuela is clear as day
Joe Emersberger | zcomm.org | 2019-12-20
In August, I took detailed notes a news broadcast on one of Venezuela's largest TV networks. I summarized these notes in an interview I did with the Real News Network making the point that Venezuela's private media (which reaches 60-90% of households) is remarkably free — most especially when you consider the US is openly Read…
zcomm.org/zblogs/notes-on-a-private-tv-newscast-in-bolivia-the-contrast-with-venezuela-is-clear-as-day/

Venezuela: Guaido Introduces Remote Voting in Bid to Secure Reelection
Lucas Koerner and Ricardo Vaz | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-12-18
The opposition leader has been under fire amid recent scandals.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14749

US Venezuelan embassy protectors denied right to fair trial
The Grayzone | thegrayzone.com | 2019-12-17
Four US activists protecting Venezuela's embassy in Washington, DC face prison time after the Trump administration illegally arrested them. And now…
thegrayzone.com/2019/12/16/venezuelan-embassy-defenders-denied-right-fair-trial/

Why Elliott Abrams is Smurf villain Gargamel
Anya Parampil | thegrayzone.com | 2019-12-16
Trump Administration Special Representative for Venezuela Elliott Abram is not only the spitting image of Gargamel; the Smurfs are a…
thegrayzone.com/2019/12/16/elliott-abrams-smurf-villain-gargamel/

ALBA Summit: Venezuela Promises to Relaunch PetroCaribe in 2020
Paul Dobson | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-12-16
Heads of state also pledged to bolster various regional social programs including the Miracle Mission and Latin American Medical Schools.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14745

Francisco Rodriguez answers some questions I asked about Venezuela
Joe Emersberger | zcomm.org | 2019-12-16
Venezuelan economist Francisco Rodriguez, formerly of Torino Economics, answered a few questions of mine about his country. He was the economic adviser to Henri Falcon, the second place finisher in the May 2018 presidential election. His updated estimate for 2019 is that Venezuela's real GDP will contract by 25% . That's horrific, but less severe Read…
zcomm.org/zblogs/francisco-rodriguez-answers-some-questions-i-asked-him-about-venezuela/

Gobierno de EEUU retira los cargos falsos contra periodista Max Blumenthal
Ben Norton | thegrayzone.com | 2019-12-14
El gobierno estadounidense desistió la causa basada en falsas acusaciones de agresión contra el editor de The Grayzone Max Blumenthal…
thegrayzone.com/2019/12/14/gobierno-eeuu-retira-cargos-max-blumenthal-venezuela/

Venezuela Oil Production Continues Slow Recovery
Ricardo Vaz | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-12-11
According to state oil company PDVSA, production is again approaching one million barrels per day.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14744

Venezuela's Civilian Militia Surpasses Target, Reaches 3.3 Million Members
Paul Dobson | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-12-09
The body is due to be legally incorporated into the Armed Forces as a "combat unit."
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14742

Venezuela: Guaido Embattled as Opposition Splits over New Corruption Scandal
Lucas Koerner and Ricardo Vaz | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-12-05
The latest scandal has further called into doubt Guaido's credibility as leader of the opposition.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14739

TIAR Countries Blacklist Top Venezuelan Officials as US Slaps New Sanctions
Lucas Koerner | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-12-04
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo accused Venezuela of "hijacking" mass anti-neoliberal protests in "our own backyard."
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14737

Red Cross Chief: Venezuela Aid Being Politicized to 'Destabilize the Country'
Ricardo Vaz | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-12-04
Francesco Rocca slammed the underfunding of aid programs as a problem of "political will."
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14738

Venezuela's PDVSA Secures Temporary Lease Extension for Curacao Refinery
Paul Dobson | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-12-02
Despite the extension, refinery owners are looking to end the 34-year cooperation under pressure from US sanctions.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14736

US Vows to 'Reinforce' Sanctions, Accuses Venezuela and Cuba of Stirring Regional 'Strife'
Lucas Koerner | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-11-28
Elliott Abrams reiterated support for Guaido and denied that sanctions are damaging the Venezuelan economy.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14734