United States
United StatesMaduro makes diplomatic changes, sends separate letters to Castro brothers
Rafael Ramirez new ambassador to the UN, Rivas Alvarado to ALADI and Mercosur. Delcy Rodríguez new chancellor. Letters to the Castro brothers in which he speaks of a “change of era” published in Havana.
State Dept. confirms resignation of Guantanamo Closure Special Envoy
Clifford Sloan had acted as a liaison with Uruguayan President Jose Mujica in bringing six refugees into the South American country for humanitarian reasons
New gameboard for Maduro after US-Cuba reconciliation
Analysts agree that the Venezuelan president will need to put aside some of his anti-imperialist jargon and socialist practices to stay in play.
US sanctions against Venezuela officials signed into law
The United States will now be able to impose punitive measures on Venezuelan government officials involved in a crackdown on protesters against the Maduro administration, or on those who have carried out acts of violence or violated the human rights of political opponents.
Mujica's role in US-Cuba understanding praised worldwide
The role played by Uruguay's President in the process which led to Wednesday's announcements that the United States and Cuba are to restore full diplomatic ties, was praised by Presidents Barack Obama, Raul Castro and international analysts.
Francis instrumental in US-Cuba relationship process
The first Latin American pope in history sent letters to Obama, Raúl Castro and brokered negotiations which ended up in Wednesday's announcement that both countries are to resume full ties.
US, Cuba to resume full diplomatic ties
Presidents Obama and Castro finalize details over the telephone, make announcement. US restrictions require Congressional approval to be fully lifted. Alan Gross released. Other swaps ensue.
OAS Celebrates “Historic Announcement” of Resumption of Diplomatic Relations between the United States and Cuba
The Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), José Miguel Insulza, today welcomed the “historic announcement” made by the Presidents of Cuba and the United States, Raúl Castro and Barack Obama, of the resumption of diplomatic relations between the two countries, as well as the re-opening of embassies in Washington and Havana, the lifting of certain commercial restrictions and the beginning of new paths for cooperation on issues of mutual interest, among other measures.
State Dept. document assuring Uruguay Gitmo inmates innocent disclosed
Uruguayan president produces US-signed evidence to calm down opposition. Refugees adapting gradually to life in Montevideo.
US/UK trained Brazil military in torture techniques; British were particularly sophisticated
Officials from the United States and the United Kingdom spent years teaching members of the Brazilian military how to develop and improve their torture techniques during the country’s two-decade long dictatorship (1964/1985), it was confirmed this week by the National Truth Commission, CNV, report.
