- 12 hours ago
10/02/2026
FTS 12.30
*Russia denounces U.S neocolonial policies on Cuba and Venezuela
*Ecuador: Guayaquil mayor arrested for alleged tax fraud
FTS 12.30
*Russia denounces U.S neocolonial policies on Cuba and Venezuela
*Ecuador: Guayaquil mayor arrested for alleged tax fraud
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NewsTranscript
00:00In Cuba, authorities implement new budgetary measures in response to the US energy blockade on the island.
00:21The Russian government denounced the United States' neo-colonial actions against Cuba and Venezuela while reaffirming solidarity with the peoples of those nations.
00:38In Ecuador, authorities arrested the Major of Guayaquil on charges of alleged money laundering and tax fraud.
00:49Hello, welcome to From the South. I'm Alejandra Garcia from Telesur Studios in Caracas, Venezuela. We begin right away with the news. Stay with us.
01:08In Cuba, authorities implemented new budgetary measures in response to the latest escalation of the US blockade on the island.
01:15The government, led by Miguel DÃaz-Canel, modified the state budget to guarantee the safety of the people amid the economic deterioration driven by the White House.
01:26The measure is intended to prioritize support for free social and health programs.
01:31In addition, the budget optimization focuses on ensuring communications and national production, as well as the management of sustainable resources.
01:40In this scenario, during an interview for our multi-platform Telesur, the president of the Prensa Latina News Agency, Jorge Leganoa, pointed out that despite the existence of historical agreements in force, there is a new wave of aggression and politicization by the United States against Cuba.
02:05We cannot say that this is something new. What I do believe is that what President Claudia Sheinbaum's government is doing is consistent with Cuba's actions over all these years.
02:20The Cuban people know this. The Cuban people know this. The Cuban people are grateful for each of these gestures. Even the Cuban president has said that he is open to dialogue, but dialogue between equals with the US government.
02:35And I believe that the period of dialogue between the governments of Cuba and the United States between 2015 and 2017, when 22 agreements were signed, speaks of the possibility of peaceful coexistence between two neighboring countries.
02:53Furthermore, even though the United States government does not want to acknowledge it, Cuba collaborates with the US and its law enforcement agencies in the fight against terrorism and truck trafficking, among other issues.
03:08Even though Donald Trump came to power in his first term and now in his second, he has not repealed any of the 22 agreements that were reached during the Obama and Raul Castro administrations.
03:20Therefore, what we are experiencing is another moment of attack, another moment of aggression, of course, led by Secretary Marco Rubio, an anti-Cuban senator who claims to be of Cuban descent, but really has very little to do with Cuba. Cubans are friendly and supportive people.
03:40Today, Cuba is experiencing a sense of normality, but not just any normality. This normality emits a very complex situation stemming from President Donald Trump's executive order, which establishes tariffs for nations that sell oil to Cuba.
04:02Cuba. We are not talking about oil as a gift. No nation gives oil to Cuba as a gift. We are talking about the legitimate right of a nation to trade and seek the minimum supplies its people need. Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez and President Miguel Diaz-Canel have made it very clear that it is a complex situation, but they are not standing still.
04:28There is movement in the streets and the people are preparing for this contingency. Measures have been taken, which speaks to a government that is on the streets, putting together a whole strategy to move forward. This wouldn't be the first time it happened.
04:42Let's remember the hard years of the 90s, when Cuba, after the collapse of the socialist camp, also found itself without 85% of its trade and, of course, its supplies of fossil fuel.
04:55To stay on topic, on Monday, the Cuban government accused the United States before the United Nations Human Rights Council for the aggressive and also unprecedented escalation against the island.
05:11The aggression was denounced by the Cuban representative Roberto Cabanas during the 61st session of the Human Rights Council.
05:20In this scenario, Cabanas stated that Washington's unilateral measures are intended to punish the Cuban people, even going so far as to threaten to impose trade tariffs on countries that establish commercial relations with the island.
05:34The United Nations representative described as absurd the justification used by the White House for the intensification of the blockade against the country since Cuba does not constitute a threat to the security of the United States.
05:47On the Human Rights Council, the Cuban permanent representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Rodolfo Benitez Berson, questioned the effectiveness of the multilateral body and its performance in the face of international security threats.
06:08It cannot continue to impose costly interventionist mechanisms on certain countries that are always in the South, cost-intensive interventionist mechanisms, ignoring their absolute ineffectiveness due to their essence, which is contrary to the dialogue and cooperation that should prevail in this body.
06:33Worse still, once these punitive mechanisms are established, they never end and are prolonged indefinitely, despite their lack of results.
06:46Also, the Russian government denounced the United States' neo-colonial actions against Cuba and Venezuela while reaffirmed its solidarity with the peoples of those nations.
06:56Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov emphasized that Moscow will always continue to fight against any neo-colonial practices such as unilateral coercive measures, illegal sanctions and military interventions.
07:09Lavrov also stressed that the destiny of a nation resides in its people's hands, not in foreign interests.
07:16Moreover, the foreign minister asserted that US actions against Cuba are only intended to economically strangle the country after decades of criminal, commercial, economic and financial blockade.
07:36And now we have a short break coming up to go away, we'll be right back with more information.
08:01Let's go to Ecuador, where the mayor of Guayaquil, Aquiles Alvarez, was arrested in the early hours of Tuesday by local authorities and charges of alleged money laundering and tax fraud.
08:11The arrest took place after a raid on his residence as part of the operations related to the Goliada case by the prosecutor's office.
08:19And according to Alvarez's defense team, they had not been formally notified of the charges that led to the arrest.
08:26And moreover, his lawyer informed the major is being held at the model barracks north of Guayaquil for subsequent transfer to Quito.
08:34Alvarez's arrest sparked a wave of reactions in the nation, including from several members of the Citizens Revolution Movement, where many claimed that this is a case of political persecution by the government of Daniel Novoa
08:47and expressed their support for Alvarez.
08:50And in other news, we go to Venezuela, where Acting President Delcy Rodriguez called on all sectors of the country to participate in the consultation on the Amnesty Law for Democratic Coexistence aimed at promoting unity and national reconciliation.
09:10During a productive day at the Venezuelan sausage factory, the Acting President also called on society to join the program of democratic coexistence and peace, seeking a respectful dialogue based on diversity and plurality.
09:23In this scenario, Delcy Rodriguez announced that a national survey would be conducted among the country's workers to learn about their working conditions.
09:31This is a mechanism for democratic participation that aims to collect direct proposals from the Venezuelan working class for the construction of the Labour Constituent Assembly.
09:46I am very pleased because a national consultation process is underway on the Amnesty Law should promote unity and reconciliation.
09:57All sectors of the country are going to join forces for this Amnesty Law.
10:01And we are also going to join forces for the program of democratic coexistence and peace.
10:06From our differences, plurality and diversity, we can come together.
10:10But let us meet with respect. Venezuela wants to work. Venezuela wants to move forward. Venezuela wants to overcome its difficulties. Venezuela wants to definitely overcome the illegitimate blockade against our country.
10:23Also on Monday, in Venezuela, the coordinator of the Coexistence and Peace Program Ernesto Villegas confirmed the need to protect the climate of harmony that is beginning to develop in the country after the U.S. military aggression.
10:44The activity organized by acting president includes a series of meetings with white sectors of the Venezuelan society.
10:51In this scenario, Ernesto Villegas reported on the consolidation of spaces that have facilitated talks between sectors that had not been in dialogue for many years and even between those that had never been in dialogue before.
11:06In light of this event, Villegas reiterated the call to those outside the country attempting to undermine a vital effort for the future of the country and the unity of the Bolivarian people.
11:21On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a new warning to Canada urging the country to treat the United States with fairness and respect it deserves.
11:34Amid growing bilateral tensions, the U.S. President threatened to block the opening of a new bridge between the Canadian province of Ontario and the state of Michigan until full compensation is achieved for what he considers to be decades of unfair treatment.
11:49Through his Truth Social Platform, Trump criticized the construction of the bridge, arguing that it was built without using U.S. products and accusing the Canadian government of taking advantage.
12:01The U.S. head of state also railed against the tariffs imposed by Canada on U.S. diet products, describing them as a source of financial risk for farmers in his country.
12:19And this Monday in Washington, the capital of the United States, several congressmen expressed concern about the highly likely possibility that the Department of Justice would intervene in the Epstein case files.
12:38According to Democratic Congressman Jamie Raskin, the senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, during the new review they were able to detect in the files mysterious and unjustified writings in the documents related to criminal Jeffrey Epstein.
12:54The committee reviewed the uncensored files at a facility specifically designated for that purpose in Washington, despite apparent efforts by Pamda Biondi's office to hide the truth.
13:06New revelations, such as the mention of a nine-year-old girl, were revealed and had such a significant impact that some lawmakers, such as Republican Senator Cynthia Lómez, have changed their opinion on the extremely serious case.
13:21Also on Monday, convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell refused to answer questions from U.S. lawmakers and asked U.S. President Donald Trump for clemency.
13:40Ghislaine Maxwell, sentenced to 20 years in prison for conspiring with Jeffrey Epstein to abuse minors, sent a clear message to Donald Trump.
13:49If the President granted her a pardon, she would clear his name of any irregularities related to the case.
13:55Maxwell's refusal comes as Congress steps up efforts to uncover possible institutional failures, cover-ups and networks of complicity that allowed Epstein to maintain his abuse network for years.
14:08In this regard, the Epstein case remains one of the most serious and sensitive sexual abuse scandals in recent U.S. history.
14:15And now we have a second show of break coming up. Don't go away, we'll be right back with more information from the South.
14:28Welcome back to From the South.
14:52The elections in Japan, which consolidates Sanae Takahashi's power, are generating great concern in China.
14:59The superiority obtained by the Liberal Democratic Party opens the door to reforms, specifically the revision of Article 9 of the Constitution,
15:08which limits Japan's participation in military conflicts.
15:11Our correspondent in Beijing, Bruno Fauci, provides us more details.
15:15Greetings, comrades. Direct here from Beijing, we bring you the latest developments from the elections in Japan,
15:26that consolidated the Prime Minister, Sanae Takahashi, power with a resounded victory,
15:33reforcing her political and militaristic agenda, with a direct implication for the stability of the Asia Pacific region.
15:44The Liberal Democratic Party secured a two-third supermajority in the House of Representatives,
15:53ensuring an ample room to pass constitutional reforms.
15:58From China, here, the government expressed a deep concern.
16:04Its spokesperson warned of the new Japanese government intention to revise the Article 9 of the Constitution,
16:13which prohibited Japan from participating in wars, as well as the increase of military spending and the expand of the role of the armed force in the region.
16:27A change that Beijing considered dangerous for regional peace and international order.
16:35Let's hear the words of the spokesperson.
16:38We urge the Japanese government to address the concerns of the international community, instead of ignoring them,
16:46to pursue a path of peaceful development, instead of retreating down the path of militarism,
16:51and to respect the first political documents between China and Japan, instead of breaking their word.
16:56If Japan's far-right forces misinterpret the situation and act recklessly,
17:02they will inevitably encounter resistance from the Japanese people and suffer a severe blow from the international community.
17:11The spokesperson also urged Japan to retract the statement on Taiwan,
17:17in which she suggested that the conflict in the strait could justify a Japanese military response,
17:26which Beijing considers an interference in its internal affairs and threat of the regional peace.
17:35China reiterated that in the accordance of United Nations Assembly,
17:41a resolution there is only one China and Taiwan is part of it,
17:47a principle recognized by the international community, including Japan.
17:53For Beijing, the outcome of the election in Japan is not just an internal matter,
18:00but a factor that could increase instability in the Asia-Pacific region,
18:06at a time when the region needs dialogue, multilateralism and a commitment to peace.
18:13With this news, from here, Beijing, we go back with you in the studios in La Habana, Cuba.
18:24In other informations, the United States government, which has carried out an intense campaign of threats against Iran,
18:30now advises its ships to stay away from the Persian coasts.
18:34The U.S. maritime administration has issued guidelines to keep as far away as possible from Iranian territorial waters.
18:41According to the adversary, the captains of these ships should not grant permission to Persian forces to board vessels.
18:48However, the directive states that if this should occur, they should not offer resistance.
18:54Teheran has not commented on the Washington alert,
18:57which came after World Department forces raided a vessel in the Indian Ocean without clear reasons.
19:04In the same context, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Draghi reaffirmed Teheran's firm stance in its ongoing nuclear talks with the United States,
19:17stressing that talks will only succeed if Washington demonstrates seriousness and respect the rights of the Iranian people.
19:24Draghi assured that Iran does not accept any dictates, warning that military threats will not force the country to back down,
19:32drawing a historical contrast with the era of the Shah.
19:36He emphasized that modern Iran stands firm and will not give up its rights,
19:41affirming that it is capable of war but also of diplomacy.
19:44In this context, he also reiterated Iran's uncompromising position on its nuclear program including Iranian enrichment.
19:51Let's talk about Palestine.
20:16Israeli air strides continue across the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, killing at least seven Palestinians in separate attacks on Central and Western Gaza City.
20:25A residential building in the Al-Nasar neighborhood was among the targets,
20:30leaving grieving families to gather and mourn their loved ones at the Al-Shifa hospital.
20:35According to medical sources, the ongoing violence has killed nearly 600 Palestinians since that so-called ceasefire went into effect in October.
20:49Is it really a truce? I don't think so. The strikes continue, the shelling continues and our children are dying one after another.
20:59There isn't any truce.
21:01Given the current situation we are going through with the bombardment and the agreements in place,
21:05I want to ask, what ever happened to the Board of Peace?
21:07Where are the sponsoring countries to these agreements?
21:09Let them come and see what is happening to the people of Gaza.
21:12Thousands protested on Monday across Australia against the visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
21:24Demonstrators accused the Israeli leader of being complacent in the death of thousands of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip
21:31and were met with police repression and several arrests in Sydney.
21:36Herzog's visit follows an invitation from the Australian government to express solidarity with the local Jewish community
21:43after a shooting last year and local authorities had declared the visit a major event, granting them special powers to restrict the demonstrations.
21:52So we're rallying tonight to get everyone together who was part of that rally last night and in shock and so on.
22:02We're calling for proper investigation into the police violence.
22:05We're saying that, you know, genocide is the crime here, not protesting.
22:09If anyone's going to be arrested, it should be Isaac Herzog for inciting genocide.
22:12We're calling for the resignation of the police commissioner who oversaw this violent attack on protesters.
22:19We're calling for the resignation of the premier who laid the whole legal and political basis for this attack on peaceful protesters.
22:26And we're calling for all the charges against protesters to be dropped.
22:30We have been fighting for Palestinian rights and justice for a very long time.
22:35Palestinian people were dispossessed from their lands.
22:39Before 1948, the first massacre was Haifa in 1938.
22:46I've been a lifelong supporter of the PLO and Palestine riots.
22:53And after this information, we have come to the end of this news brief.
23:00For Telesur English, I'm Alejandra Garcia. Thank you for watching.
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