(2021-05-15). [Correspondence] Venezuela is collapsing without COVID-19 vaccines. thelancet.com Once considered a rich oil-producing country, Venezuela is confronting a rapidly increasing COVID-19 epidemic that adds to a complex humanitarian crisis that has been affecting the country since 2016.1 The health-care system has collapsed and is incapable of responding to the ever-increasing number of patients who require hospitalisation. Health-care personnel, including doctors, nurses, and other first-line health staff, have been substantially affected by the epidemic, leading to the highest lethality reported in the Americas.
(2021-05-14). President Maduro: Former Deputy Guaidó Wants to Talk Now Because they Gave him the Order from the North. orinocotribune.com Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro confirmed on Wednesday, May 12, the willingness of his government to dialogue with opposition actors who have not yet participated in the national dialogue table. Maduro made the statement in regard to the change of discourse by former deputy Juan Guaidó, who proposed this Tuesday, through a message published on his social media accounts, "a national salvation agreement" that includes conciliation with the Bolivarian Executive. | "Guaidó now went from R2P, which was the invasion of Venezuela, to dialogue with Maduro," commented the head of state during a televised broadcast. "N…
(2021-05-14). Venezuelan Parliament Declares May 17 National Day Against LGBTQ Hatred. orinocotribune.com This Thursday, May 13, Venezuela's National Assembly unanimously approved a Draft Agreement to declare May 17 as a national day against hatred and all kinds of discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression in Venezuela. In addition, the creation of a sub-committee attached to the Comprehensive Social Development Committee was announced, to be coordinated by deputy Niloha Delgado, to meet the demands of the LGBTQ community. | Delgado, president of the Gender Equality Subcommittee of the Permanent Committee for Comprehensive Social Development, outlined the discrimination suffere…
(2021-05-14). Colombia Has Lost Its Fear. popularresistance.org After decades of armed conflict and paramilitary violence, Colombia has seen protest movements return in strength over the past year and a half. The forceful demonstrations of the past week exceed even the high points of the nationwide uprising of November and December 2019. In response, the most heavily armed government in Latin America has carried out a brutal crackdown. | The COVID-19 pandemic and its social and economic consequences have hit Colombia hard. The country is reaching a breaking point as the ruling class attempts to squeeze the last drops of profit out of an already suffering populace kept in line…
(2021-05-14). Meet The Neo-Nazi Advising Colombian Police On Breaking The National Strike. popularresistance.org Cali, Colombia – Colombia is on strike. And the police and military are terrorizing the population to crush it. | It kicked on when the far-right president President Ivan Duque announced a wildly unpopular tax reform imposing crushing austerity measures on middle class and poor Colombians. Duque's proposal aimed to pay off debt in order to project stability and satisfy international investors. But that stability for international capital means more instability for the tens of millions of Colombians struggling to put food on the table. | The country is already in dire economic straits — 43 percent of Colombi…
(2021-05-14). Colombia: Anti-Government Protests. popularresistance.org Colombia's security forces apparently entered panic mode and the government of President Ivan Duque all but collapsed after the US Congress reiterated threats to cut military funds. | The panic was most evident on the National Army's twitter page, which suddenly began publishing in Spanglish about mysterious "spirit of body and military training." | The prosecution and the police additionally announced investigations into reports on widespread human rights violations against anti-government protesters. | This violence that surged after protests began on April 28 suddenly stopped on Wednesday when police apparentl…
(2021-05-14). Meet the Neo-Nazi advising Colombian police on how to break the National Strike. mronline.org 
Behind The Headlines' Dan Cohen examines the ongoing national strike in Colombia and how President Duque is relying on a neo-fascist ideology to subdue it. | May 14, 2021 | Newswire…
(2021-05-14). Roaming Charges: How Bio-Warfare Came to Colombia. counterpunch.org 
There's a theory that Israel controls US politics, that the most powerful war-making state the world has ever known is a mere puppet of Israel, institutionally incapable of asserting its own agenda in the Middle East. This is a convenient myth for both parties, since it makes Israel seem more powerful than it is and it tends to exculpate the US from direct complicity in ergregious human rights abuses. But in fact the US finances Israel. It is dependent on us. Its crimes are ours. We paid for them.
(2021-05-14). Rights experts call for probe into violent crackdown on Colombia protests. news.un.org Independent human rights experts appointed by the UN and the Organization of American States (OAS) have called for the Colombian Government to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the violent crackdown on recent peaceful protests in the country.
(2021-05-14). If I fall in the struggle, take my place. mronline.org 
Ugliness defines the mood of state violence from Cali (Colombia) to Durban (South Africa), each context different and the depth of the violence particular to the location. Images of security forces cracking down on people trying to express their political rights have become commonplace. | May 14, 2021…
(2021-05-14). Chile and Colombia to Move Money Out of Militaries. warisacrime.org 
By David Swanson, World BEYOND War, May 15, 2021 While the proposal for a global ceasefire during a disease pandemic has done the opposite of catching on, there are a few small signs of sanity and even of successful activism. While most big military spenders (including the super-mega-biggest one) have increased or kept their spending …
(2021-05-14). Colombians continue to resist as national strike completes 15 days. peoplesdispatch.org 
Enduring brutal police and military repression, hundreds of thousands of Colombians continue to remain on the streets against neoliberalism and violence, for life, peace, justice and democracy…
(2021-05-14). If I Fall In The Struggle, Take My Place. popularresistance.org Ugliness defines the mood of state violence from Cali (Colombia) to Durban (South Africa), each context different and the depth of the violence particular to the location. Images of security forces cracking down on people trying to express their political rights have become commonplace. It is impossible to keep track of the events, which move swiftly from public manifestations to courtroom scenes, from the dissipation of tear gas to the invisible frustration of the prison cell. Yet, underlying these events and amidst the range of feelings that shape them lies a sense of refusal, the Great Refusal, the refusal to…
(2021-05-14). South America's 'Business Friendly' Bloodbath. popularresistance.org International Business and Banking support for the most repressive regimes in Latin America is even more evident than it was during the original cold war. Now, Wall Street ºs three main men in South America all face charges of crimes against humanity, even genocide, at the International Criminal Court. | Whilst the anglosphere regularly attacks governments of the left in Latin America on human rights grounds, it is its pliant business friendly U.S. regional allies; Brazil ºs Bolsonaro, Chile ºs Piñera, and Colombia ºs Duque, who face being sent before the Hague. | All three countries face cruc…
(2021-05-13). Biden Administration to Review Sanctions Policy Against Venezuela. orinocotribune.com The administration of US President Joe Biden is reviewing its policy of illegal unilateral measures, also called "sanctions," against Venezuela, reported Bloomberg. | "The relationship between the United States and Venezuela is under quiet review, " wrote the US outlet. Bloomberg also claimed that US figures with access to the Biden administration are talking to the "inner circle" of the government of President Nicolás Maduro. Among them are House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Gregory Meeks, former New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, and World Food Program Director David Beasley. The latter is the executive…
(2021-05-13). Venezuela: Electrical Line Explosion in Galipán Leaves La Guaira Without Electricity Service — Sharp Deterioration of Public Utilities. orinocotribune.com A failure at the transmission level in the Cota Mil-Guaira 69 circuit, with a report of explosions in the heights of Picacho Galipán (El Avila mountain), Macuto parish, caused a loss of electrical service in almost 70% of La Guaira state for more than 14 hours this Wednesday. | The service interruption began around midnight, according to users' reports, and service was gradually reestablished beginning around 4 p.m. | Parishes such as Maiquetía, La Guaira, Macuto, Caraballeda, Naiguatá, and Caruao were affected and only Carlos Solublette, Urimare, Catía La Mar, Carayaca, and El Junko, that is to say areas in the…
(2021-05-13). Hinterlaces Poll Reveals the Most Unpopular Leaders of the Venezuelan Opposition. orinocotribune.com 
A recent opinion poll by Hinterlaces revealed the level of rejection by the people of Venezuela towards the main leaders of the opposition. | The Venezuelan research and analysis firm Monitor País Hinterlaces carried out this latest study between April 14 and April 25 this year, directed 15% to the strata A, B and C, and the remaining 85% to the strata D and E. | In addition, the poll was classified by gender, age, region of the country, socioeconomic condition, and educational qualification of the respondents, with a margin of error of 3%, according to the firm. | What was the poll? | The people who were consult…
(2021-05-13). When a Cuban Mother Sacrifices Herself for Venezuelan Mothers. orinocotribune.com 
By Yosdany Morejón Ortega — May 9, 2021 | The plane took off and a lump tightened in her throat as she evoked the figure of a son who had said goodbye to her minutes before. She was 27 years old and, until that moment, the separation between herself and her family would be limited to a few days; but this time it would be very different. | She thought of birthdays that she would not be celebrating, dinners where her presence would be a mere evocation, empty cutlery at the end of the table, laughter, hugs and tears that would dissolve into the nothingness of a prolonged absence. | She thought and thought until…
(2021-05-13). Venezuela Seeks To Boost Its Economy Through E-Commerce. telesurenglish.net Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro said Wednesday that his country will create an e-commerce system to boost businesses and stimulate the economy, which has been severely hit by the U.S. blockade and the pandemic. | RELATED: | "The Commerce to Person (C2P) system will allow the Venezuelans to free themselves from the use of paper money. This technological proposal will help us overcome the sanctions' impact and assist the needs…
(2021-05-13). The Real Reason Why Former Deputy Guaidó now Wants Dialogue. orinocotribune.com "The bobolongo (former deputy Guaidó) comes out to say that he wants dialogue because he was left out of everything, isolated and defeated" Venezuelan head of state, Nicolás Maduro, stated emphatically on Tuesday. "Nobody will ask him anything, and the country's course is already set for a great mega-election this year of 2021." | With these words, President Maduro was reacting to a message circulated on social media networks in which the far-right former deputy changed his tack and, demanding invariably the departure of the legitimate government, now spoke of "reaching agreements." | For this reason, Maduro was…
(2021-05-13). The Importance of Wages for the Millions of Working Venezuelans. orinocotribune.com By Pasqualina Curcio — May 10, 2021 | There are those in Venezuela who dismiss the salary issue as if it were not relevant, as if it were just one more aspect among many other issues. They lightly convey the message that as long as we continue to be besieged by the US there is not much that can be done to adjust them to decent levels. They do not propose solutions and in response to requests for wage increases the answer is: "you cannot distribute what does not exist, you have to produce, and for that you have to work," as if we do not do that every day. | We are almost 14 million active workers in Venezuela…
(2021-05-13). Maduro Willing to Meet All Opposition If EU and Norway Present. telesurenglish.net Maduro's statements come a day after Guaidó raised a political pact, in a complete about-face, with the international community as guarantor, with the aim of approving what he called a schedule of fair and verifiable presidential, parliamentary and municipal elections. | The Venezuelan president's statements do not come by chance, as the Bolivarian government has been listening to opposition demands regarding human rights, humanitarian aid and the transparency of the national electoral body, to see if the international community will finally reduce the pressure of the sanctions weighing on Venezuela. | RELATE…
(2021-05-13). Venezuela to Receive Sputnik Light and Johnson & Johnson Single-Dose Vaccines. venezuelanalysis.com President Maduro said a mass Covid-19 vaccination campaign would take place between June and August to inoculate 70 percent of the population.
(2021-05-13). Venezuela's Arreaza asks EFE for Respect and Quality: Guaidó's Last Attempt at Revival (+Luis Vicente León). orinocotribune.com The Spanish news agency EFE reported though its Twitter account that former deputy "Guaidó proposes to negotiate with the Venezuelan government and advocates lifting the sanctions." | The headline adorned with the animated gif format image displaying "Breaking News" is the smooth and convenient read of what was a 5.40 minute display of threats and blackmail by the former deputy of the National Assembly. | The information is such a deliberate makeup and that so without context, that Venezuelan Foreign Affairs Minister Jorge Arreaza did not let it pass without a comment. This was within the context of a revival of…
(2021-05-13). The US Empire's Attempts to Retain Control Bring the Next Wave of Socialist Revolutions Closer. orinocotribune.com In the last year, the imperialists have had both one great defeat and one great victory. Last fall in Bolivia, the indigenous movement overpowered the CIA-installed coup regime and forced through an election which brought the country's socialist party back to power, losing the international bourgeoisie control over Bolivia's Lithium and destroying the strategic military advantage Washington was trying to build up around Venezuela. But then last month in Ecuador, the imperialists
(2021-05-13). USAID Admits to Venezuela Regime Change Fraud. orinocotribune.com By Anya Parampil — May 6, 2021 | Red Lines host Anya Parampil explores an internal USAID report admitting the agency's policy on Venezuela was driven by the State Department and National Security Council's push for regime change. | The report specifically investigated USAID's attempt to use the US military to force aid through Venezuela's border with Colombia on February 23, 2019.
(2021-05-13). Failed Venezuelan coup leader now wants dialogue. But here's what corporate media won't tell you. thecanary.co Juan Guaidó, the leader of the US-backed coup attempt in Venezuela, is now But there's an important reality that the corporate-owned press will surely leave…
(2021-05-13). INDEPAZ Confirms Murder Of Another Social Leader In Colombia. telesurenglish.net Colombia's Institute for Development and Peace Studies (INDEPAZ) on Wednesday reported the murder of women's rights defender Cecilia Valderrama in the Chaparral municipality, Tolima Department. | RELATED: | The leader of the El Escobal Women's Association (ASMUES) was found dead with signs of violence in a pasture on Wednesday. | Her neighbors last saw her on Tuesday at 18h00 local time, when she left her residence to a nearby road to wait fo…
(2021-05-13). Colombian Police Crack Down On Protests In Bogota And Popayan. telesurenglish.net Colombians denounced that the Mobile Anti-Riot Squad (ESMAD) attacked peaceful demonstrations that took place in Bogota and Popayan on Wednesday night. | RELATED: | Videos posted on social media show police shooting and throwing tear gas canisters at citizens. Local media have not yet reported any deaths due to police brutality, but witnesses say several people were injured or arbitrarily arrested. | During the clashes, Bogota's mayor Claudia…
(2021-05-13). Colombians Demand Resignation Of Ombudsman. telesurenglish.net The Human Rights Union of the Ombudsman's Office (SINDHEP) on Thursday demanded the resignation of Ombudsman Carlos Camargo for not being committed to the social process the country is going through. | RELATED: | "Camargo does not represent us nor the people. We are concerned about his erratic actions and pronouncements, which put protesters and workers of the Ombudsman's Office at risk," the defenders said. | They criticized the Ombudsman's…
(2021-05-13). Dialogue Table in Cali Reaches No Agreement Amid High Tensions. telesurenglish.net A dialogue table between Cali's demonstrators, local authorities, and government representatives was lifted amid high tensions and no resolution on Thursday, ahead of tomorrow's meeting of the National Strike Committee to evaluate starting a negotiation. | RELATED: | Despite extreme police brutality and militarization of the country, Colombians have remained in the streets for 16 days demanding social justice and…
(2021-05-13). Colombia — El derrumbe del uribismo. globalizacion.ca Hace dos años àÅlvaro Uribe habló de perpetrar una masacre con criterio social para acabar con la Minga indígena en el Cauca (n9.cl/42qwi ).Y hace unas horas, a lo comandante en jefe, proclamaba: "confiamos en el inmediato copamiento militar de…
(2021-05-13). Colombia: Foreign Minister Claudia Blum Submits Her Resignation. telesurenglish.net "I want, in the most respectful manner, to submit to you my irrevocable resignation to the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs, effective immediately," reads the letter sent by Blum to Colombian President Iván Duque, dated last Tuesday, May 11. | Her departure from the Foreign Ministry occurs although Blum was scheduled to travel to Madrid (Spain), Brussels (Belgium), and The Hague (Netherlands) to meet with delegates from the United Nations (UN), the European Union (EU), and the diplomatic staff of her country, to offer the Government's version on the protests that have been taking place in Colombia since…
(2021-05-13). Colombia enters third week of protests as Bogotá and Washington prepare to escalate repression. wsws.org The crackdown is being carried out not only with the support of the Biden administration in Washington, but in close coordination with the Pentagon.
(2021-05-13). OPINION: All Colombians Must Unite and Fight for the Legitimate Right to Protest. latinorebels.com Until we all access these basic rights, la protesta y la lucha no deben de parar.
(2021-05-13). If I Fall in the Struggle, Take My Place. dissidentvoice.org 
Tiger Tateishi (Japan), Samurai, the Watcher (Koya no Yojinbo), 1965. Ugliness defines the mood of state violence from Cali (Colombia) to Durban (South Africa), each context different and the depth of the violence particular to the location. Images of security forces cracking down on people trying to express their political rights have become commonplace. It …
(2021-05-13). From Palestine To Colombia: The End Of The White World Colonial/Capitalist Project? popularresistance.org The world is shocked by the image of an eleven-story residential building in Gaza collapsing from a bomb dropped by the Israeli Defense Force, one of the most advanced armies in the world thanks to U.S. support. But in the U.S., Andrew Yang, former presidential candidate and now candidate for mayor of New York, proudly proclaims that he stands with the heroic people of Israel who are under attack from the vicious, occupied Palestinians who have no army, no rights, and no state. | But as politically and morally contradictory as Yang's sentiments might appear to be for many, the alternative world of Western liberal…
(2021-05-13). PDF of May 13 issue. workers.org 
Download the PDF. Repression and resistance in South America Colombia: State terror won't stop the struggle Brazilians tell police: 'Stop killing us!' Pandemic triple threat; 'We have power'; Indigenous pipeline protest; Black Lives Matter in Georgia; Editorial Vaccine monopolies. GLOBAL: Palestine; U.S. vs. China; Evictions in South Asia. Tear down . . . |
(2021-05-13). Colombia's leaders want to stain the country with blood. greenleft.org.au In the face of ongoing state repression, the Colombian people remain on the streets and continue resisting, write Laura Capote and Zoe Alexandra.