Daily Archives: January 16, 2020

2020-01-16: News Headlines

WSWS (2020-01-16). Former Colombian President àÅlvaro Uribe linked to international drug trafficking through Sinaloa Cartel. wsws.org The charges against Uribe expose Colombia's "war on drugs," like that of the US, as a smokescreen for government criminality and a pretext for violence against the population.

Ajamu Baraka and Bahman Azad (2020-01-15). Trump Prosecutors Make Move to Ensure that Embassy Protectors are Convicted. dissidentvoice.org As the trial approaches, the lawyers for the Trump Administration's prosecution of the four Venezuelan Embassy Protectors who were arrested last May are asking the court to make sure the jury is kept ignorant about the facts and circumstances surrounding the actions of the protectors. In a recently filed motion by government lawyers, state prosecutors …

teleSUR (2020-01-15). China, Venezuela to Boost Bilateral Cooperation, Brotherhood. telesurenglish.net In response to an invitation from the Chinese government, Venezuela's Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza Wednesday arrived in Beijing to strengthen strategic cooperation relations and brotherhood between the Bolivarian Nation and this Asian country. | RELATED: | Venezuela Asks Electoral Body to Invite UN, EU to Observe Polls | Venezuela and China have maintained diplomatic and commercial relations for 45 years, which were strengthened since the arrival of Hugo Chavez to the Presiden…

Ricardo Vaz (2020-01-15). Venezuela: Oil Output Stabilizes as Government Eyes Foreign Investment. venezuelanalysis.com The Maduro government is reportedly looking to offer greater advantages to private companies in joint oil ventures.

Lucas Koerner (2020-01-14). For Western Press, the only Coup in Venezuela is against Guaidó. mronline.org The international corporate media have entered crisis mode following the replacement of Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó as head of the country's National Assembly. | Source

Peoples Dispatch (2020-01-14). US issues unilateral coercive measures against Venezuelan legislators. peoplesdispatch.org The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the US Department of the Treasury, announced on January 13, that it would impose unilateral coercive measures against seven opposition legislators of the National Assembly (AN) of Venezuela. | According to the official statement issued by the US agency, the punitive measure was taken due to the "failed attempt" of these seven parliamentarians "to illegitimately seize control of the National Assembly" and because they allegedly prevented the far-right opposition leader and self-proclaimed interim president "Juan Guaidó and other deputies from participating in a consti…

Lucas Koerner (2020-01-14). US Sanctions Venezuela's New Parliament Leader, Senior Opposition Lawmakers. venezuelanalysis.com The legislature's new opposition leadership "categorically" rejected the sanctions.

teleSUR (2020-01-14). Venezuela Asks Electoral Body to Invite UN, EU to Observe Polls. telesurenglish.net Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro asked the National Electoral Council (CNE) Tuesday to invite the European Union (EU) and the United Nations as observers in the process of legislative elections scheduled for this year. | RELATED: | Venezuela and Red Cross Monitor Protection for Blockade Victims | During the presentation of his 2019 balance, the Venezuelan president was also firm in expressing that "what is definitive is that neither the Organization of American States (OAS…

news.un (2020-01-14). Colombia: 'Staggering number' of human rights defenders killed in 2019. news.un.org The UN human rights office, OHCHR, is "deeply troubled by the staggering number of human rights defenders killed in Colombia" last year, its spokesperson said on Tuesday.

Ben Norton (2020-01-13). Under US pressure, social media companies censor critical content and suspend Venezuelan, Iranian, and Syrian accounts. thegrayzone.com As the US escalates its hybrid wars, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram are suspending accounts and censoring content that conflicts with…

news.un (2020-01-13). Colombia: 'Significant strides' towards integrated peace, UN envoy tells Security Council. news.un.org Colombia has continued to make "significant strides in its peace process", the top UN envoy in the country told the Security Council on Monday.

Paul Dobson (2020-01-13). Venezuela Blames Sanctions After UN Voting Right Suspended. venezuelanalysis.com Venezuela, which has one of the highest UN contribution rates in the region, has not paid its dues since 2018.

pip.hinman (2020-01-10). Venezuela: Guaido installs parallel parliament, US threatens more sanctions. greenleft.org.au Venezuela Ricardo VazIssue 1248 Venezuela Juan Guaido US Vice President Mike PenceJanuary 10, 2020Opposition leader Juan Guaido installed a "parallel" parliament in Caracas on January 7. | The…

Leonardo Flores (2020-01-09). This might be the final episode of Juan Guaidó's surreal Venezuela regime-change reality show. thegrayzone.com The farcical scene of Juan Guaido attempting to break into Venezuela's National Assembly as its members voted him out was…

Ricardo Vaz (2020-01-08). Venezuela: Guaido Installs Parallel Parliament After Washington Threatens More Sanctions. venezuelanalysis.com The Trump administration is reportedly mulling sanctions against opposition deputies who voted against Guaido.

Paul Dobson (2020-01-06). Venezuelan Government and Opposition Fraction Announce Release of 14 'Political Prisoners'. venezuelanalysis.com The National Roundtable for Peaceful Dialogue also offered its backing to the new National Assembly president, Luis Parra.

Lucas Koerner and Ricardo Vaz (2020-01-05). Venezuela: Guaido Replaced as Parliament Head in Disputed Vote. venezuelanalysis.com Pro-Guaido opposition lawmakers have rejected the vote, forming a parallel parliament with US and international right-wing support.

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.

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…

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.

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.

2020-01-16: Social Media Postees

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

Former Colombian President àÅlvaro Uribe linked to international drug trafficking through Sinaloa Cartel
wsws.org | 2020-01-16
The charges against Uribe expose Colombia's "war on drugs," like that of the US, as a smokescreen for government criminality and a pretext for violence against the population.
www.wsws.org/en/articles/2020/01/16/urib-j16.html

Trump Prosecutors Make Move to Ensure that Embassy Protectors are Convicted
Ajamu Baraka and Bahman Azad | dissidentvoice.org | 2020-01-15
As the trial approaches, the lawyers for the Trump Administration's prosecution of the four Venezuelan Embassy Protectors who were arrested last May are asking the court to make sure the jury is kept ignorant about the facts and circumstances surrounding the actions of the protectors. In a recently filed motion by government lawyers, state prosecutors …
dissidentvoice.org/2020/01/trump-prosecutors-make-move-to-ensure-that-embassy-protectors-are-convicted/

Venezuela: Oil Output Stabilizes as Government Eyes Foreign Investment
Ricardo Vaz | venezuelanalysis.com | 2020-01-15
The Maduro government is reportedly looking to offer greater advantages to private companies in joint oil ventures.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14766

Long live teleSUR!
Peoples Dispatch | peoplesdispatch.org | 2020-01-15
On January 11, far-right Venezuelan opposition leader and US-backed self-proclaimed "interim president of Venezuela", Juan Guaidó, threatened to seize the Latin American left-wing television and online news network, teleSUR. | In a tweet, Guaidó said that he would soon start "the process of reorganizing and rescue of Telesur to put it at the service of truth." "Since its creation, Telesur has been used to promote destabilization of the region, support terrorist groups, attack democracy, lie about Venezuela and defen…
peoplesdispatch.org/2020/01/15/long-live-telesur/

China, Venezuela to Boost Bilateral Cooperation, Brotherhood
telesurenglish.net | 2020-01-15
In response to an invitation from the Chinese government, Venezuela's Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza Wednesday arrived in Beijing to strengthen strategic cooperation relations and brotherhood between the Bolivarian Nation and this Asian country. | RELATED: | Venezuela Asks Electoral Body to Invite UN, EU to Observe Polls | Venezuela and China have maintained diplomatic and commercial relations for 45 years, which were strengthened since the arrival of Hugo Chavez to the Presiden…
telesurenglish.net/news/China-Venezuela-to-Boost-Bilateral-Cooperation-Brotherhood-20200115-0007.html

For Western Press, the only Coup in Venezuela is against Guaidó
Lucas Koerner | mronline.org | 2020-01-14
The international corporate media have entered crisis mode following the replacement of Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó as head of the country's National Assembly. | Source…
mronline.org/2020/01/14/for-western-press-the-only-coup-in-venezuela-is-against-guaido/

US Sanctions Venezuela's New Parliament Leader, Senior Opposition Lawmakers
Lucas Koerner | venezuelanalysis.com | 2020-01-14
The legislature's new opposition leadership "categorically" rejected the sanctions.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14764

Venezuela Asks Electoral Body to Invite UN, EU to Observe Polls
telesurenglish.net | 2020-01-14
Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro asked the National Electoral Council (CNE) Tuesday to invite the European Union (EU) and the United Nations as observers in the process of legislative elections scheduled for this year. | RELATED: | Venezuela and Red Cross Monitor Protection for Blockade Victims | During the presentation of his 2019 balance, the Venezuelan president was also firm in expressing that "what is definitive is that neither the Organization of American States (OAS…
telesurenglish.net/news/maduro-asks-nec-to-invite-un-to-observe-legislative-elections-20200114-0019.html

US issues unilateral coercive measures against Venezuelan legislators
Peoples Dispatch | peoplesdispatch.org | 2020-01-14
The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the US Department of the Treasury, announced on January 13, that it would impose unilateral coercive measures against seven opposition legislators of the National Assembly (AN) of Venezuela. | According to the official statement issued by the US agency, the punitive measure was taken due to the "failed attempt" of these seven parliamentarians "to illegitimately seize control of the National Assembly" and because they allegedly prevented the far-right opposition leader and self-proclaimed interim president "Juan Guaidó and other deputies from participating in a consti…
peoplesdispatch.org/2020/01/14/us-issues-unilateral-coercive-measures-against-venezuelan-legislators/

Colombia: 'Staggering number' of human rights defenders killed in 2019
news.un.org | 2020-01-14
The UN human rights office, OHCHR, is "deeply troubled by the staggering number of human rights defenders killed in Colombia" last year, its spokesperson said on Tuesday.
news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2020/01/1055272

Under US pressure, social media companies censor critical content and suspend Venezuelan, Iranian, and Syrian accounts
Ben Norton | thegrayzone.com | 2020-01-13
As the US escalates its hybrid wars, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram are suspending accounts and censoring content that conflicts with…
thegrayzone.com/2020/01/12/us-pressure-social-media-censoring-suspending-venezuela-iran-syria/

Colombia: 'Significant strides' towards integrated peace, UN envoy tells Security Council
news.un.org | 2020-01-13
Colombia has continued to make "significant strides in its peace process", the top UN envoy in the country told the Security Council on Monday.
news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2020/01/1055202

Venezuela Blames Sanctions After UN Voting Right Suspended
Paul Dobson | venezuelanalysis.com | 2020-01-13
Venezuela, which has one of the highest UN contribution rates in the region, has not paid its dues since 2018.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14762

For Western Press, the Only Coup in Venezuela Is Against Guaidó
Lucas Koerner | fair.org | 2020-01-10
The Washington Post ( 1/5/20) described Venezuelan lawmakers voting against someone other than Washington's chosen candidate to head the assembly as "sedition within the opposition." | The international corporate media have entered crisis mode following the replacement of Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaidó as head of the country's National Assembly. | In headline after headline, Venezue…
fair.org/home/for-western-press-the-only-coup-in-venezuela-is-against-guaido/

Venezuela: Guaido installs parallel parliament, US threatens more sanctions
pip.hinman | greenleft.org.au | 2020-01-10
Venezuela Ricardo VazIssue 1248 Venezuela Juan Guaido US Vice President Mike PenceJanuary 10, 2020Opposition leader Juan Guaido installed a "parallel" parliament in Caracas on January 7. | The…
greenleft.org.au/content/venezuela-guaido-installs-parallel-parliament-us-threatens-more-sanctions

This might be the final episode of Juan Guaidó's surreal Venezuela regime-change reality show
Leonardo Flores | thegrayzone.com | 2020-01-09
The farcical scene of Juan Guaido attempting to break into Venezuela's National Assembly as its members voted him out was…
thegrayzone.com/2020/01/08/final-episode-juan-guaido-surreal-regime-change-reality-show/

Venezuela: Guaido Installs Parallel Parliament After Washington Threatens More Sanctions
Ricardo Vaz | venezuelanalysis.com | 2020-01-08
The Trump administration is reportedly mulling sanctions against opposition deputies who voted against Guaido.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14759

Venezuelan Government and Opposition Fraction Announce Release of 14 'Political Prisoners'
Paul Dobson | venezuelanalysis.com | 2020-01-06
The National Roundtable for Peaceful Dialogue also offered its backing to the new National Assembly president, Luis Parra.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14757

Venezuela: Guaido Replaced as Parliament Head in Disputed Vote
Lucas Koerner and Ricardo Vaz | venezuelanalysis.com | 2020-01-05
Pro-Guaido opposition lawmakers have rejected the vote, forming a parallel parliament with US and international right-wing support.
venezuelanalysis.com/news/14755

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

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

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/

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