Monthly Archives: December 2019

2019-12-26: News Headlines

teleSUR (2019-12-26). Colombia: Farmer Leader Shot to Death in Front of His Family. telesurenglish.net The National Association of Farmer Users (ANUC) activist Reinaldo Carrillo was killed at dawn on Wednesday by hitmen who entered his house and shot him in front of his family in Pitalito town, Department of Huila, Colombia. | RELATED: | Violence in Colombia Continues As Social Leader Assassinated | "We reject the murder of Reinaldo Carrillo. He was a member of a group of people which expected the government to grant them the ownership title of a vacant land called La Conaca," sai…

repost (2019-12-26). Criminal War Monger Pelosi & Demos Appropriate Millions For War On Venezuela. indybay.org Criminal war monger Demo leader Nancy Pelosi and the Democrats joined Trump in supporting tens of millions of dollars to overthrow the Venezuelan government.

teleSUR (2019-12-26). Colombian Attorney Asks to Stop Murder of Social Leaders. telesurenglish.net The Colombian attorney general, Fernando Carrillo, urged the government of Colombia led by Iván Duque to stop the systematic murder of social leaders in that country. | RELATED: | Colombia: Farmers Leader Shot to Deat in Front of His Family | The official urged the Government, through his Twitter account, to convene the National Security Guarantees Commission "immediately and ensure its operation." | He added that the threat against social leaders in Colombia "is latent and must…

Staff (2019-12-25). Pope Offers Christmas Message of Hope to a Suffering World. truthdig.com The pontiff calls for easing of tensions in conflict zones from Syria to Venezuela and spotlights the plight of migrants fleeing injustice.

teleSUR (2019-12-25). Colombia: Death of Student Remains in Impunity After One Month. telesurenglish.net Despite the existence of videos that could be used to detect the culprits, the murder of Dilan Cruz continues in total impunity as Colombia's President Ivan Duque praises the Riot Squadron (ESMAD). | RELATED: | Colombia Holds National Strike, Concert & Marches in Medellin | The assassination of the 18-year-old citizen was remembered by Colombians who too…

teleSUR (2019-12-25). Violence in Colombia Continues As Social Leader Assassinated. telesurenglish.net Social leader Lucy Villarreal was assassinated in the Llorente Commuity, Tumaco municipality (southwest), reported the Social Process of Warranties for the work of human rights on Tuesday. | RELATED: | Colombia: Death of Student Remains in Impunity After One Month | Villarreal, a mother of two who worked for the promotion of culture in her territory and the defense of human rights, was assassinated after finishing a workshop with children, reported the local Contagio Radio.

teleSUR (2019-12-24). ExxonMobil Begins Oil Production Off Guyana's Coast. telesurenglish.net United States oil company ExxonMobil announced Friday the start of crude production off the coast of Guyana, where the company has made a number of major discoveries in recent years. | RELATED: | Venezuela to Relaunch PetroCaribe Program in 2020 | Exxon reported that production is scheduled to reach 120,000 barrels per day in the coming months, however, it expects to increase production to over 750,000 barrels per day by 2025. Guyana is a major focus in the company's area of operation, and…

teleSUR (2019-12-24). Two Strong Quakes Shake Central Colombia, No Damage Reported. telesurenglish.net Two strong earthquakes, of magnitude 6.2 and magnitude 5.7, struck central Colombia on Tuesday, the Colombian Geological Service said, but there were no immediate reports of any injuries or major damage. | RELATED: | Colombia Holds National Strike, Concert & Marches in Medellin | The quakes were very close to each other and only minutes apart. The epicenters were located about 150 km (93 miles) south of the capital Bogota in the central province of Meta, and were very shallow, which…

Eds. (2019-12-23). The vanguard of Chavism has a woman's face: A chronicle of their resistance in 2019. mronline.org In the middle of the year, we Venezuelans received a visit from the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michel Bachelet, on the occasion of meeting with the different political actors in the country to "evaluate" the complex economic and social environment brought about by the White House's decision. | Source

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…

Joe Emersberger (2019-12-15). 123 Reuters articles on Bolivia since October 20, 2019 election with no mention of expert criticism of OAS audit UPDATED. zcomm.org 'I'll be back' within a year, ousted Bolivian leader Morales vows Mexico says surveillance of embassy in Bolivia has eased after spat Mexico accuses Bolivia of intimidating its diplomats in La Paz Bolivia announces entry into Lima Group to resolve Venezuelan crisis Bolivia's ex-president Morales plans party rally on Argentina border Bolivian lawmakers appoint tribunal 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.

Cathy Rojas (2019-12-04). Massive Colombia strike hits neoliberal policies, repression. liberationnews.org All progressive people should stand in solidarity with all those advocating for the immediate end to the political persecution of human rights, social and political leaders in Colombia.

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.

2019-12-26: Social Media Postees

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

Colombia: Farmer Leader Shot to Death in Front of His Family
telesurenglish.net | 2019-12-26
The National Association of Farmer Users (ANUC) activist Reinaldo Carrillo was killed at dawn on Wednesday by hitmen who entered his house and shot him in front of his family in Pitalito town, Department of Huila, Colombia. | RELATED: | Violence in Colombia Continues As Social Leader Assassinated | "We reject the murder of Reinaldo Carrillo. He was a member of a group of people which expected the government to grant them the ownership title of a vacant land called La Conaca," sai…
telesurenglish.net/news/Colombia-Farmer-Leader-Shot-to-Death-in-Front-of-His-Family-20191226-0008.html

Criminal War Monger Pelosi & Demos Appropriate Millions For War On Venezuela
repost | indybay.org | 2019-12-26
Criminal war monger Demo leader Nancy Pelosi and the Democrats joined Trump in supporting tens of millions of dollars to overthrow the Venezuelan government.
indybay.org/newsitems/2019/12/24/18829164.php

Colombian Attorney Asks to Stop Murder of Social Leaders
telesurenglish.net | 2019-12-26
The Colombian attorney general, Fernando Carrillo, urged the government of Colombia led by Iván Duque to stop the systematic murder of social leaders in that country. | RELATED: | Colombia: Farmers Leader Shot to Deat in Front of His Family | The official urged the Government, through his Twitter account, to convene the National Security Guarantees Commission "immediately and ensure its operation." | He added that the threat against social leaders in Colombia "is latent and must…
telesurenglish.net/news/colombian-attorney-asks-to-stop-murder-of-social-leaders-20191226-0010.html

Pope Offers Christmas Message of Hope to a Suffering World
Staff | truthdig.com | 2019-12-25
The pontiff calls for easing of tensions in conflict zones from Syria to Venezuela and spotlights the plight of migrants fleeing injustice.
truthdig.com/articles/pope-offers-christmas-message-of-hope-to-a-suffering-world/

Violence in Colombia Continues As Social Leader Assassinated
telesurenglish.net | 2019-12-25
Social leader Lucy Villarreal was assassinated in the Llorente Commuity, Tumaco municipality (southwest), reported the Social Process of Warranties for the work of human rights on Tuesday. | RELATED: | Colombia: Death of Student Remains in Impunity After One Month | Villarreal, a mother of two who worked for the promotion of culture in her territory and the defense of human rights, was assassinated after finishing a workshop with children, reported the local Contagio Radio.
telesurenglish.net/news/Violence-in-Colombia-Continues-As-Social-Leader-Assassinated-20191225-0007.html

Colombia: Death of Student Remains in Impunity After One Month
telesurenglish.net | 2019-12-25
Despite the existence of videos that could be used to detect the culprits, the murder of Dilan Cruz continues in total impunity as Colombia's President Ivan Duque praises the Riot Squadron (ESMAD). | RELATED: | Colombia Holds National Strike, Concert & Marches in Medellin | The assassination of the 18-year-old citizen was remembered by Colombians who too…
telesurenglish.net/news/Colombia-Death-of-Student-Remains-in-Impunity-After-One-Month-20191225-0003.html

ExxonMobil Begins Oil Production Off Guyana's Coast
telesurenglish.net | 2019-12-24
United States oil company ExxonMobil announced Friday the start of crude production off the coast of Guyana, where the company has made a number of major discoveries in recent years. | RELATED: | Venezuela to Relaunch PetroCaribe Program in 2020 | Exxon reported that production is scheduled to reach 120,000 barrels per day in the coming months, however, it expects to increase production to over 750,000 barrels per day by 2025. Guyana is a major focus in the company's area of operation, and…
telesurenglish.net/news/exxonmobil-begins-production-on-the-liza-field-offshore-guyana-20191224-0017.html

Two Strong Quakes Shake Central Colombia, No Damage Reported
telesurenglish.net | 2019-12-24
Two strong earthquakes, of magnitude 6.2 and magnitude 5.7, struck central Colombia on Tuesday, the Colombian Geological Service said, but there were no immediate reports of any injuries or major damage. | RELATED: | Colombia Holds National Strike, Concert & Marches in Medellin | The quakes were very close to each other and only minutes apart. The epicenters were located about 150 km (93 miles) south of the capital Bogota in the central province of Meta, and were very shallow, which…
telesurenglish.net/news/Two-Strong-Quakes-Shake-Central-Colombia-No-Damage-Reported-20191224-0016.html

The vanguard of Chavism has a woman's face: A chronicle of their resistance in 2019
Eds. | mronline.org | 2019-12-23
In the middle of the year, we Venezuelans received a visit from the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michel Bachelet, on the occasion of meeting with the different political actors in the country to "evaluate" the complex economic and social environment brought about by the White House's decision. | Source…
mronline.org/2019/12/23/the-vanguard-of-chavism-has-a-womans-face-a-chronicle-of-their-resistance-in-2019/

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/

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/

123 Reuters articles on Bolivia since October 20, 2019 election with no mention of expert criticism of OAS audit UPDATED
Joe Emersberger | zcomm.org | 2019-12-15
'I'll be back' within a year, ousted Bolivian leader Morales vows Mexico says surveillance of embassy in Bolivia has eased after spat Mexico accuses Bolivia of intimidating its diplomats in La Paz Bolivia announces entry into Lima Group to resolve Venezuelan crisis Bolivia's ex-president Morales plans party rally on Argentina border Bolivian lawmakers appoint tribunal Read…
zcomm.org/zblogs/112-reuters-articles-on-bolivia-since-october-20-2019-election-with-no-mention-of-expert-criticism-of-oas-audit/

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/

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

Massive Colombia strike hits neoliberal policies, repression
Cathy Rojas | liberationnews.org | 2019-12-04
All progressive people should stand in solidarity with all those advocating for the immediate end to the political persecution of human rights, social and political leaders in Colombia.
liberationnews.org/massive-colombia-strike-hits-neoliberal-policies-repression/

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

Venezuela Unveils First Gold Processing Complex in Mining Arc
Paul Dobson | venezuelanalysis.com | 2019-11-25
While already operational, the complex will reportedly be the 5th largest in the continent upon completion.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14731