- 5 hours ago
24/12/2025
FTS 20.30
*Nasry Asfura declared President of Honduras after fraudulent elections.
*Countries celebrate Christmas Eve.
teleSUR
These and many more stories now!
FTS 20.30
*Nasry Asfura declared President of Honduras after fraudulent elections.
*Countries celebrate Christmas Eve.
teleSUR
These and many more stories now!
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NewsTranscript
00:00United Nations experts condemned the blockade, aggression and piracy on the
00:14high seas by the United States against Venezuela. In Honduras an electoral
00:22coup has taken place with a declaration of Nasir Asfura as president by two
00:27members of the National Electoral Council without concluding the special count or
00:31resolving the challenges that have been filed. And countries around the world
00:39celebrate Christmas Eve with cold dishes, roasted meats and traditional
00:43sweets from each region. Hello and welcome to From the South, I'm Alejandra Garcia from
00:52Telesur Studios in Habana, Cuba. We begin with the news.
00:57United Nations experts condemned the blockade, aggression and piracy on the
01:11high seas by the United States against Venezuela. United Nations members denounced
01:15that the partial maritime blockade imposed by Washington and Venezuela violates
01:19fundamental norms of international law. They also affirmed that the use of force is
01:24also recognized as an illegal armed aggression as defined by the General
01:28Assembly because it endangers the right to life in the face of threats in the
01:33region. They also recalled that the killings in the Caribbean waters and
01:38Pacific waters as well must be investigated and prosecuted. In the
01:42meantime, the United States Congress must intervene to prevent further attacks in the
01:46Caribbean Sea and lift the blockade. In this context, Venezuelan foreign minister Ivan Hill stated on his
01:57social media, independent United Nations experts have just strongly condemned the
02:02blockade, aggression and piracy on the high seas by the United States against
02:06Venezuela, describing them as serious violations of international law and the
02:12United Nations Charter. The truth about Venezuela is making its way around the world and
02:16the policy of threats, force and colonial plundering has been legally and morally exposed.
02:22Also, the Venezuelan foreign minister thanked the Islamic consultative
02:34assembly of Iran for its support in defending the sovereignty and rights of the Bolivarian
02:39country. Through his social media accounts, Foreign Minister Ivan Hill stated that on
02:44behalf of the Venezuelan people and president, Nicolás Maduro, we send our most sincere thanks to the Islamic
02:51conservative assembly of Iran for its strong statement in defense of Venezuela's sovereignty and
02:57legitimate rights. It is strong in strong condemnation of the illegal and
03:02provocative actions of the United States government resonates deeply in our
03:06hearts and strengthens our struggle for justice and self-determination. He also
03:11emphasized that the decision and persecution of our oil tankers in
03:16international waters is, without a doubt, an act of piracy that not only undermines our economy but also
03:22challenges the fundamental principles of international law. We appreciate Iran's support in denouncing
03:29these practices that seek to destabilize our nation and subject our people to unjust
03:34the siege. Also, Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a message of greetings to his Venezuelan
03:44counterpart, Nicolás Maduro, highlighting the achievements of his government and expressing his
03:49solidarity with the Venezuelan people. In a statement, President Vladimir Putin said,
03:54His Excellency Mr. President, dear Nicolás, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
03:59The outgoing year has been quite successful for Russian-Venezuelan relations. The signing of the
04:06Strategic Partnership and Cooperation Treaty created the conditions for a qualitative and constructive
04:12increasing interaction in all areas. In this regard, the document stated,
04:17We would like to reiterate our unwavering solidarity with the people of Venezuela who are facing
04:23unprecedented external pressure, as well as our willingness to continue working closely together
04:29and current issues on the bilateral and international agenda. I wish you the best of health,
04:35happiness and success in the development of your state activities and peace and well-being to all
04:41your compatriots.
04:47And the Government of Nicaragua also expressed its support and solidarity with the Venezuelan people
04:52while emphasizing that unity is a symbol of new times for the peoples of the region.
04:56In a statement, the Government of Nicaragua expressed the following,
05:00To all of you in these days of Renaissance, all our love and the sure revolutionary Christian,
05:07Bolivarian, Sandinista, Chavista, legitimate and genuine brotherhood of unique and strong souls.
05:14He also pointed out that our unshakable unity is a symbol of the better times that we must bring about
05:20in the midst of these great and formidable battles, which we know herald a just, true,
05:27solidarity and complementary world that is coming, that will come.
05:36We move on to other topics.
05:38An electoral coup has taken place with a declaration of Nasri Asfura as president by two members of the National Electoral Council
05:46without concluding the special count or resolving the challenges that have been filed.
05:51The representatives of the two-party system in the National Electoral Council,
05:55Ana Paula Hall and Cosette LĂłpez,
05:57officially declared the presidential victory of the nationalist candidate, Nasri Asfura,
06:03through the controversial broadcast of preliminary election results
06:07without having completed the special count as required by Honduran law
06:12and with six days still remaining for the review of irregularities.
06:16For his part, C&E Consular Marlon Ochoa had warned that a declaration
06:21without exhausting all administrative processes constitutes a criminal offence
06:26amid demands from the citizenry for a vote-by-vote count.
06:30This declaration confirms the execution of the electoral coup by the two-party system
06:35with the support of foreign interference crimes
06:38that have been repeatedly denounced by the Liberty and Refoundation Party.
06:46The full board of the C&E declares elected constitutional president of the Republic of Honduras
06:54for a four-year term beginning on January 27, 2026 and ending on January 27, 2030,
07:03Nasri Juan Asfura-Sabla, who represents the national press
07:08with 18,757 ballot boxes records counted,
07:14equivalent to 97.86% of the results,
07:20has obtained 1,479,748 ballot votes.
07:30Now let's take a look to the political career of the elected president in Honduras this Wednesday,
07:35declared by two members of the National Electoral Consul, Nasri Asfura.
07:39Asfura was the candidate for the National Party.
07:42He is a wealthy construction tycoon and former major of Tegucigalpa
07:45and the candidate of Honduras' traditional right-wing establishment.
07:49Notably, he has been publicly endorsed by U.S. President Donald Trump,
07:52who declared Asfura the candidate Washington would support
07:56and on whom future U.S. aid allegedly depends.
07:59Asfura's 2021 presidential run ended in defeat,
08:03but his return is seen as an attempt to reinstall the political forces
08:07linked to former President Juan Orlando Hernández.
08:12And now we have a short break coming up,
08:22but first remember you can join us on TikTok at Telesur English,
08:25where you will find news in different formats, news updates and more.
08:28We'll be right back. Stay with us.
08:29Welcome back to From the South.
08:37Surveys revealed that the employment rate in Ecuador did not show real growth
08:41during the last quarter of 2025.
08:44According to the National Institute of Estatial Sex and Sciences,
08:47the employment rate for November 2025 stood at 36.3%,
08:52slightly above the 2024 figure of 33.7%.
08:57More than 53% of workers in Ecuador are employed in the informal sector
09:02and lack stability and sufficient income
09:05amid the economic crisis affecting the country.
09:08In addition, the report warns that the main challenge for the sector
09:11is not only the lack of employment,
09:14but also the absence of decent and sustainable jobs
09:17for the majority of the population.
09:23Now we go to Panama.
09:25Health authorities urged the population to get vaccinated
09:27amid the increase in the cases of various respiratory viruses.
09:32The Ministry of Health reported that it's maintaining
09:35an active surveillance of influenza,
09:38specifically the H3N2 strain and its K variant,
09:42because these viruses are affecting children and the elderly more severely.
09:47Furthermore, more than 7,000 cumulative cases of influenza
09:51and 99 deaths have been reported throughout the country.
09:54In this regard, the public is advised to visit health centres
09:58if they experience any symptoms.
10:12The National Weather Service in Argentina issued an orange and yellow alert
10:19after heavy rains hit 19 provinces of the country.
10:22The Meteorological Agency emphasized that the orange alert
10:25corresponds to short-term rain and gusty winds
10:28in at least four departments,
10:30and the yellow alert could be due to electrical activity,
10:33occasional hail and torrential rains in the city of Buenos Aires
10:36and seven other adjacent provinces.
10:39In this scenario, 30 research residents
10:41want to remain calm and not go out unless necessary,
10:44as well as to unplug appliances
10:47and cut off the power supply if water enters their homes.
10:55Also in Argentina, the citizens are protesting in the city of Mendoza
10:59against the approval of mining projects
11:01that put the province's water and ecosystems at risk.
11:05On Tuesday, hundreds of activists and social organizations
11:08took to the streets of the town
11:09to demand that the regional government
11:11repeal the laws of proving mining in the province.
11:14With banners and slogans such as
11:15Water is not for sale,
11:17Argentinians condemned the mining initiative.
11:19For his part, the governor of the entity,
11:22Alfredo Cornejo, minimized the impact of the project
11:25and affirmed that the greatest consumption of water
11:28comes from the agricultural sector and residential use.
11:37And French farmers continue their protest in France
11:41in rejection to the European Union regulations against the sector.
11:45The agricultural workers' demonstration began early December
11:48against a free trade agreement between the European Union
11:51and the South American bloc Mercosur
11:53due to be signed on Saturday.
11:56The farmers denounced that their South American counterparts
11:59do not comply with the same European health regulations
12:02for the protection of the environment.
12:05French Prime Minister SĂ©bastien Le Corneux
12:07announced that a new statement on the initiative
12:09will be made in January 2026.
12:11When Palestinian health authorities denounced the blockade
12:37on the entry of medicines and vital supplies
12:39imposed by Israeli occupation forces
12:41on the Gaza Strip.
12:42The government media office condemned the restrictions
12:45imposed on raw materials and emergency supplies
12:48as part of the Zionist policy of aggression
12:51against the coastal enclave.
12:52Since the ceasefire came into effect on October 10, 2025,
12:57Israel has only allowed 30% of the accrued supplies to enter.
13:02As a result, half a million patients are waiting
13:05for the treatment and surgery
13:07to the lack of medical equipment.
13:09In this regard, the Gaza Health Ministry warned that the health situation is critical,
13:14urging the United Nations and the international community
13:16and a community to demand that Israel left the restrictions.
13:25Also on Wednesday, the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations warned
13:30of the critical agricultural situation affecting more than 72,000 Palestinian families in the West Bank
13:36due to attacks perpetrated by Israeli settlers.
13:39The statements released by the press office of the global institution revealed that 90% of farming families in the region
13:47are experiencing a significant decrease in crop and livestock production due to Israeli aggressions.
13:53The organization also specifies that approximately 115,000 families in the West Bank
13:59depend on agriculture for their livelihood,
14:02making this sector fundamental to food security and income.
14:05The agriculture is facing challenges due to limited access to water and land,
14:10restrictions on movement, a lack of agricultural resources and high fuel and transportation costs.
14:17And now we have a second showbreak coming up.
14:23Before we invite you to visit our Facebook page at Telesur English,
14:26that you'll be able to watch our top stories, special live coverage and much more.
14:31Follow our page and activate the notification button to stay up-to-date on the world's most recent events.
14:37On a showbreak, we'll be right back.
14:47Welcome back to From the South.
14:54President Nicolás Maduro and First Combatant Celia Flores celebrated the start of the Christmas season
14:59in Venezuela on Tuesday by sharing the first Ayacaso for Peace and Happiness 2025
15:05in the community of San AgustĂn del Sur in Caracas.
15:08Surrounded by the people of the Afinque de MarĂn Square,
15:12the president emphasized that this gathering symbolizes the Venezuelan people's right to happiness,
15:17to live in peace and to enjoy this time of unity.
15:20For her part, the First Combatant highlighted the combative and cultural character of the Caracas parish.
15:26The event that was part of the El GuahuancĂł de Colores program
15:30is a tourism and cultural initiative that has welcomed more than 4,000 visitors,
15:37promoting Venezuelan traditions in coordination with the Ministry of Tourism.
15:41With music, dancing and the Ayacas, the community officially kicked off the Christmas season in Venezuela.
15:57President Nicolás Maduro in this regard delivered a Christmas message to the Venezuelan people.
16:02Let's listen.
16:03This is the land of the saints, the wise and the brave patriots like José Gregorio Hernández,
16:11like Santa Carmen Rendiles and like the neighbors of each community that now write and sing their own song.
16:21Because now they do have a voice and their conscience, their dignity and because at the end we have been given by God with a good soul and victorious.
16:34That is why listening to this tune, it is a blessing that life gives us.
16:42It is a voice filled with truth and optimism, like the boy or girl that is born today under the start of Belen and that says that the song of our people,
16:52Delita says, let's feel proud of living in this time filled with challenges and new possibilities because this is the time of the rebirth of Venezuela.
17:07God always next to us, always in witness that his challenges have always made us better people, have turned us all in a better country.
17:19That's how I feel it and I believe it and that it's what has been decreed by the sky for the centuries of the centuries.
17:31Likewise, President Nicolás Maduro affirmed that Venezuela is a nation of peace, thanks to Miranda and the liberator SimĂłn BolĂvar, who fought for peace in the region.
17:40And peace, as it was said by our great liberator SimĂłn BolĂvar, the peace will be our port, our destiny and our glory.
17:51Behind that sacred mountain of Guareira Rebano, previously called the Eagle, it's the sea where our ancestors, where the guardians, where Miranda and BolĂvar sailed to found an entire continent,
18:06a zone of peace, all of Venezuela, of men and women that are free, the peace of the free, of the worthy.
18:12As Caribbean people that we have celebrated and we want to celebrate you, compatriot, that work from January to January because this 2025 has been the first year of a new virtuous era of accomplishments and great transformations.
18:29We wish from the bottom of our hearts and I say it with God in front of us that this night in our Christmas, our Lord Jesus Christ touches and knocks on your door.
18:40You open your door and you receive his eternal blessings that we say from here, from the neighborhoods of Caracas, Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2026 for the Venezuela of peace.
18:56Long live Venezuela, long live peace and long live life.
19:06Meanwhile, countries around the world celebrate Christmas Eve with cold dishes, roasted meats and traditional sweets from each region.
19:15Throughout the day, celebrations are held in different localities to celebrate Christmas with tours of the city to see the lights and fireworks and even Christmas dinners.
19:24Families take advantage of the date to reunite as part of an act of unity, hope and gratitude.
19:39And meanwhile, Palestinians in the West Bank city of Bethlehem celebrated Christmas after two years of Israeli aggressions against the Gaza Strip.
19:47According to the Christian tradition, Bethlehem is the birthplace of Jesus Christ and this year, the city resumed its traditions, the celebrations that represent the message of peace, of hope and resilience for the Palestinian people, despite the fact that the Gaza Strip continues to be besieged and destroyed by the Israeli regime.
20:06And like this, we have come to the end of this news brief, remember you can find this and many other stories on our website at www.telesurenglish.net, also join us on social media, we are on Facebook, Instagram, Telegram and TikTok as well.
20:27Portela Surenglish, I'm Alejandra Garcia, thank you for watching.
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