Daily Archives: January 17, 2020

2020-01-17: News Headlines

John Catalinotto (2020-01-17). In Venezuela, reactionary Guaidó humiliated by assembly defeat. workers.org The self-appointed "interim president" of Venezuela, Juan Guaidó, received a humiliating setback in that country's National Assembly vote on Jan. 5. He was deposed as leader of the parliamentary body. Throughout 2019, Guaidó served as the designated puppet of U.S. imperialism in Venezuela. He made five attempts with a reactionary, . . . | Continue reading In Venezuela, reactionary Guaidó humiliated by assembly defeat at Workers.org

Eds. (2020-01-17). In Commune: Altos de Lídice. mronline.org This video was made recently about the Altos de Lidice Commune in Caracas. We were there. | Source

Ben Norton (2020-01-17). Top Brazilian paper reveals Bolsonaro government's terror plot against Venezuela. thegrayzone.com Brazil's right-wing government attempted to attack Venezuela in a plot to overthrow its elected president. The shocking terror operation has…

Ajamu Baraka (2020-01-17). Trump Prosecutors Make Move to Ensure that Embassy Protectors are Convicted. counterpunch.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 More

teleSUR (2020-01-17). Colombia: Armed Incursion to Jamundi Leaves Five Civilians Dead. telesurenglish.net Five young farmers were killed in the middle of a confrontation among illegal armed groups operating in the municipality of Jamundi, at the Cauca valley, in Colombia. | RELATED: | 17 Social Leaders Assassinated so Far This Year in Colombia | According to local media, the victims were traveling in three cars when members of those armed groups threw explosives into the vehicles destroying them. | On Thursday night, there was a clash among criminal organizations, one of which was ap…

teleSUR (2020-01-17). 'Protecting TeleSUR Is Protecting the Peoples' Voice' Villegas. telesurenglish.net The New Television of the South (teleSUR) president Patricia Villegas Thursday warned about the difficulties of doing progressive journalism in Latin America and stressed that "protecting teleSUR is protecting the voice of the peoples of the world". | RELATED: | Desperate Juan Guaido Vows Again to Plunder teleSUR's Signal | At teleSUR "we have been accustomed all this time to resist amid adversities," Villegas said and recalled that "we are a very powerful voice … the vision of…

teleSUR (2020-01-16). Venezuelan FM Completes First Official Visit to China. telesurenglish.net Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza held a series of meetings with senior Chinese officials in Beijing on Thursday as both nations seek to strengthen their bilateral relations. | RELATED: | China, Venezuela to Boost Bilateral Cooperation, Brotherhood | As part of his official agenda, the Venezuelan Foreign Minister met with the Vice President of the Asian nation, Wang Qishan. Arreaza and Wang discussed the progress and eventual challenges of their strategic partnership, which…

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). US Sanctions Venezuela's New Parliament Leader, Senior Opposition Lawmakers. venezuelanalysis.com The legislature's new opposition leadership "categorically" rejected the sanctions.

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…

Lucas Koerner (2020-01-10). For Western Press, the Only Coup in Venezuela Is Against Guaidó. fair.org 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…

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.

2020-01-17: Social Media Postees

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

Top Brazilian paper reveals Bolsonaro government's terror plot against Venezuela
Ben Norton | thegrayzone.com | 2020-01-17
Brazil's right-wing government attempted to attack Venezuela in a plot to overthrow its elected president. The shocking terror operation has…
thegrayzone.com/2020/01/17/brazil-paper-reveals-bolsonaro-terror-plot-venezuela/

Trump Prosecutors Make Move to Ensure that Embassy Protectors are Convicted
Ajamu Baraka | counterpunch.org | 2020-01-17
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…
counterpunch.org/2020/01/17/trump-prosecutors-make-move-to-ensure-that-embassy-protectors-are-convicted/

Colombia: Armed Incursion to Jamundi Leaves Five Civilians Dead
telesurenglish.net | 2020-01-17
Five young farmers were killed in the middle of a confrontation among illegal armed groups operating in the municipality of Jamundi, at the Cauca valley, in Colombia. | RELATED: | 17 Social Leaders Assassinated so Far This Year in Colombia | According to local media, the victims were traveling in three cars when members of those armed groups threw explosives into the vehicles destroying them. | On Thursday night, there was a clash among criminal organizations, one of which was ap…
telesurenglish.net/news/Colombia-Armed-Incursion-to-Jamundi-Leaves-Five-Civilians-Dead-20200117-0005.html

In Venezuela, reactionary Guaidó humiliated by assembly defeat
John Catalinotto | workers.org | 2020-01-17
The self-appointed "interim president" of Venezuela, Juan Guaidó, received a humiliating setback in that country's National Assembly vote on Jan. 5. He was deposed as leader of the parliamentary body. Throughout 2019, Guaidó served as the designated puppet of U.S. imperialism in Venezuela. He made five attempts with a reactionary, . . . | Continue reading In Venezuela, reactionary Guaidó humiliated by assembly defeat at Workers.org
workers.org/2020/01/45597/

'Protecting TeleSUR Is Protecting the Peoples' Voice' Villegas
telesurenglish.net | 2020-01-17
The New Television of the South (teleSUR) president Patricia Villegas Thursday warned about the difficulties of doing progressive journalism in Latin America and stressed that "protecting teleSUR is protecting the voice of the peoples of the world". | RELATED: | Desperate Juan Guaido Vows Again to Plunder teleSUR's Signal | At teleSUR "we have been accustomed all this time to resist amid adversities," Villegas said and recalled that "we are a very powerful voice … the vision of…
telesurenglish.net/news/Protecting-TeleSUR-Is-Protecting-the-Peoples-Voice-Villegas-20200117-0004.html

Venezuelan FM Completes First Official Visit to China
telesurenglish.net | 2020-01-16
Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza held a series of meetings with senior Chinese officials in Beijing on Thursday as both nations seek to strengthen their bilateral relations. | RELATED: | China, Venezuela to Boost Bilateral Cooperation, Brotherhood | As part of his official agenda, the Venezuelan Foreign Minister met with the Vice President of the Asian nation, Wang Qishan. Arreaza and Wang discussed the progress and eventual challenges of their strategic partnership, which…
telesurenglish.net/news/Venezuelan-FM-Completes-First-Official-Visit-to-China-20200116-0005.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

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

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/

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