- 6 weeks ago
* China and Russia strengthen bilateral ties
* Iranian crude carrier ship defies US naval blockade on Hormuz
* Iranian crude carrier ship defies US naval blockade on Hormuz
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00:09On Tuesday, Venezuela's acting president, Alexis Rodriguez, reiterated her call for the lifting of sanctions against Venezuela.
00:20The Chinese president Xi Jinping went with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and urged closer strategic coordination between the nations
00:27to safeguard the unity of global South countries.
00:33An Iranian crew carrier ship defied the U.S. blockade by sailing through the Strait of Hormuz with its tracking
00:39system on and docking in Iranian waters.
00:48Hello, welcome from the south. I'm Luis Alberto Matos from Derezo Studios in Caracas, Venezuela. We begin the news.
01:08On Tuesday, Venezuela's acting president, Alexis Rodriguez, reiterated her call for the lifting of sanctions against Venezuela.
01:14During a meeting at the Miraflores Palace with officials from the U.S. Department of Energy, among them the Assistant
01:20Secretary for the Hydrocarbons and Dual Thermal Energy Office, Cal Hospice, Rodriguez emphasized that the lifting of sanctions is crucial
01:27for the country to realize its full investment potential.
01:30Rodriguez also called for the establishment of energy and economic relations within both countries, legal framework, and under the principle
01:38of peace diplomacy. The meeting also assessed new opportunities for investment and technical cooperation in the hydrocarbon sector.
01:54We have insisted to President Trump that sanctions against Venezuela must be lifted so that all investments can be developed
02:02fully because investors require greater legal uncertainty and there are always details to consider.
02:07A license does not provide legal uncertainty in terms of long-term projection because it is subject to temporality. And
02:16I will say this here and in every meeting. I believe that both the United States and Venezuela have now
02:22reached a level of maturity that allows them to establish energy and economic relations and cooperation within the legal frameworks
02:30of both countries.
02:35In this regard, acting president, Rodrique stated the lifting of sanctions in Venezuela will help the country to establish effective
02:41ballot regulations with international markets.
02:45The international energy market is extremely complex and a Venezuela free of sanctions will undoubtedly have been able to engage
02:53in more effective cooperation and intervention.
02:55But let's look to the future. Let's think about how to build a long-term energy partnership.
03:00And the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office for Foreign Assets Control issued two new licenses to ease the
03:06financial restrictions that have been in place for nearly a decade against Venezuela.
03:11General licenses number 56 and 57 allow certain financial transactions including transfers, payments, use of bank accounts, remittances, and digital
03:19services.
03:20These transactions involve key institutions such as the Central Bank of Venezuela and state-owned banks as well as with
03:27individuals linked to the Venezuelan government.
03:29However, it does not leave existing sanctions or unblock frozen assets and restrictions on unauthorized operations remain in place.
03:46And in this context, in the aftermath of the announcement, Venezuela's Deputy Minister of Anti-Blockade Policies, William Castillo, outlined
03:54the benefits that the two licenses issued by the U.S. will bring to the country's basic services.
03:58This is what he said about License 56.
04:03We are talking here about reconstructing the electricity system.
04:06International fees could be issued in the coming months to reform and an improved Venezuela's electricity system.
04:13And then the companies would be eligible to participate, to sign contracts, preliminary contracts, inspection letters with the Venezuelan government,
04:22preliminary projects, that's it, to enter into commercial negotiations with the government.
04:28That is General License 56.
04:32And in this regard, William Castillo also said that these licenses will help Venezuela to engage in financial negotiations with
04:39international companies.
04:41License 57 is financial and is very important because it authorizes U.S. companies or companies related to the United
04:49States to engage financial negotiations with the Central Bank of Venezuela and with the three banks that form the call
04:58of the Public Bank of Venezuela, which is the Bank of Venezuela.
05:01The Digital Workers Bank and the Treasury Bank.
05:04They can open accounts, they can make transfers, and by allowing them to conduct these transactions, it opens a window
05:13for these banks to engage in operations and normalize their operations within the international financial system.
05:35In Peru, vote counting is still underway three days after the general elections were held.
05:39So far, more than 89% of the ballots have been counted.
05:43Right-wing candidate Keiko Fujimori leads in the polls with 16.9%, followed by Roberto Sanchez from the left-wing
05:48party, together for Peru, who has amassed 11.98% of votes surpassing popular renewal candidate Rafael López Aliaga, also
05:56right-wing, who follows closely with 11.93%.
06:00And a vote difference of 7,539 ballots.
06:04In the bicameral chamber, the Popular Renewal Party surged ahead of the Fujimori-affiliated party, popular force by a slight
06:10margin.
06:11The results are being contested by López Aliaga, who claims the reported delays in delivery of voting materials amounts to
06:17fraud and is demanding the annulment of the election.
06:19For his part, Candia Sanchez has called to respect the vote and the will of Peruvians.
06:30Let's take now our first break. We're going to be right back.
06:51Welcome back.
06:51Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Wednesday in Beijing and urged closer and stronger
06:58strategic coordination between China and Russia to firmly defend their legitimate interests and safeguard the unity of global South countries.
07:05Precisely, President Xi noted the stability and certainty of China-Russia relations, emphasizing it is particularly valuable in a changing
07:12international situation and calling on the two countries to shoulder their responsibilities as permanent members of the United Nations Security
07:18Council.
07:19Moreover, Xi urged the two nations to strengthen multilateral cooperation and engage in closer coordination within the frameworks of the
07:26Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS countries and promote the development of the international order in a more just direction.
07:39In the face of an international situation intertwined with change and disorder, the stability and certainty of China-Russia relations
07:46are particularly precious.
07:47The robust vitality and exemplary significance of the Treaty of Good Neighborliness and friendly cooperation between China and Russia have
07:53become even more prominent.
07:56And Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov gave a press conference from China where he reaffirmed the bilateral strategic partnership as
08:03a responsible path amid growing global instability.
08:07During his trip to Beijing, Lavrov met with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.
08:11The discussions between the top diplomats reportedly covered a wide range of issues.
08:15Special attention was given to the unfolding situation in the Middle East after the joint U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran.
08:21In his regard, Lavrov defended the Persian nation's right to enrich uranium and condemned the U.S. hegemonic ambitions on
08:27Iranian oil.
08:29Moreover, Lavrov criticized Western interference in Latin America and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, warning that European powers are attempting
08:35to create an aggressive block targeting Russia.
08:38The talks concluded with a commitment to deeper coordination within multilateral frameworks, including BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, both
08:46to counter unilateralism and promote a multipolar world order.
08:56In Europe, we're seeing NATO activities to find a new meaning for its existence, drawing Ukraine into its circle.
09:13And we're seeing a crisis in NATO between Washington and the Brussels bureaucracy.
09:24And we're also seeing the Middle East and the Persian Gulf, where the world is now closely watching the crisis
09:35unfolding.
09:36And it is a knot that is not easy to untie.
09:43And we're seeing attempts to cut it in half.
09:50This will scarcely provide any results.
09:55In this context, the Russian foreign minister also reaffirmed the nation and China's support for Cuba's sovereignty, bowing to continue
10:02sending solidity aid despite the ongoing U.S. blockade.
10:06We have stated our support, our firm support for the sovereignty and independence of our Cuban friends multiple times.
10:14And the statement of Cuban leadership, including President Diaz-Canel's statements confirm their determination to stand for independence until the
10:31end, using all the means at their disposal.
10:33Certainly, we support Cuba, and China supports Cuba, both politically at the United Nations and other international fora, and economically,
10:45and in the humanitarian sphere.
10:47We sent the first tanker with 100,000 tons of oil for Cuba.
10:54And obviously, this will only last a couple of months.
10:59I'm not a specialist in these issues, but we will certainly continue.
11:09And I have no doubt that Russia and China will continue their support.
11:14There is no doubt about that.
11:18And in the United States, people call on the government to lift sanctions against Cuba.
11:27Today, we visited the offices of Congress members who have supported Cuba in Latin America, or at least have not
11:34opposed them.
11:38However, they still have not backed the legislation, particularly a bill by Congresswoman Jaya Pal, which seeks to declare the
11:45naval blockade of Cuba as an act of war and the money's end.
11:55It is important that members of Congress know that voters care about Cuba and that we do not want a
12:01war against Cuba.
12:02We want an end to blockade and the suffocation of Cuba.
12:05What is happening is a crime against humanity as a U.S. citizen whose taxes finance that works.
12:12We must tell our representatives and senators that these actions and aggressions against Cuba are unacceptable.
12:31And the passage of super typhoons in Laco caused significant damage in Northern Mariana Islands and Guam.
12:37The Category 5 storm hit the small United States territories in the Northwestern Pacific Ocean, where recorded winds of more
12:44than 250 km per hour.
12:46The storm destroyed homes and infrastructure, causing a power and telecommunications outage and disrupting the water service.
12:53In the aftermath, one power authority crews are reportedly working up to 16 hours a day to restore island power.
13:01According to the U.S. National Weather Service, the region remains in condition of readiness one, as locals have been
13:06advised to remain in designated shelters
13:08to ensure public safety and allow emergency responders to conduct essential assessments.
13:22Let's take our second break. Don't go away.
13:53Welcome back. An Iranian crewed carrier ship defied the U.S. blockade by sailing through the Strait of Hormuz with
13:59its tracking system on and docking in Iranian waters.
14:02The Iranian Fars News Agency reported on Wednesday morning of the boat's activity, while U.S. authorities have not made
14:08any comment.
14:09According to tracking data, the vessel was transporting nearly 2 million barrels of crude oil while operating with its identification
14:15system activated.
14:17This move occurs in a context of maximum tension after the U.S. Central Command allegedly imposed a total naval
14:23blockade to prevent any vessel from reaching the coast of Iran.
14:27International analysts believe the arrival of the ship is a direct political message from Tehran.
14:31The Strait of Hormuz remains under its operational control and continues to be a safe route for its energy trade.
14:44U.S. President Donald Trump made several statements to the press claiming that the war on Iran is close to
14:50coming to an end.
14:51During a Fox Business interview on Tuesday, President Trump claimed the war in Iran is close to over.
14:56Also on Tuesday, in a separate exchange with an ABC News correspondent, Trump said he was not thinking about extending
15:02the ceasefire and did not believe it would be necessary, implying the matter would be resolved in the next couple
15:09of days.
15:09Meanwhile, neither party of the conflict has confirmed a second meeting for the U.S.-Iran negotiations after last Saturday's encounter
15:16didn't bring about an agreement following 21 hours of talks in Pakistan.
15:21On the other hand, this is not the first time that President Trump has claimed victory over Iran without providing
15:27proof.
15:34And in southern Lebanon, Israeli forces clashed with the Hezbollah resistance fighters in Bing Bel as the Sudanese regime continues
15:41its expansion and integrations against the country despite the ongoing negotiations to end the conflict.
15:46Fierce confrontations are being reported in Bing Bel as Hezbollah fighters engage Israeli occupation forces from elite units in intense
15:53close-range combat on the outskirts of the town's old market.
15:57The fighting described as fierce and sustained has been going on for the last few days amid Zionist relentless airstrikes,
16:04artillery shelling and siege.
16:06The city of Bing Bel near the Lebanese-Israeli border is considered of key strategic importance due to its location
16:12overlooking multiple access routes into the border region and has become a symbol of the Lebanese resistance.
16:29In a joint statement released on Tuesday, several countries including Canada, the United Kingdom, Brazil and Colombia called for an
16:35end to Israeli aggressions against Lebanon and the protection of humanitarian personnel.
16:40Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Jordan, Sierra Leone and Switzerland have issued a joint statement expressing
16:48deep concern about the worsening humanitarian situation and displacement crisis in Lebanon.
16:54The statement urges Israel to end hostilities against Lebanon, highlighting that civilians and civilian infrastructures must be protected, warning about
17:02the growing risks facing humanitarian personnel in the region.
17:09The coalition stressed their condemnation over the targeted attacks against humanitarian personnel and healthcare workers demanding accountability for violations of
17:18international law, saying justice is critical for maintaining the integrity of humanitarian operations.
17:33And in Palestine on Tuesday, five civilians were killed and several injured when Israeli airstrikes targeted the Al Shanti refugee
17:40camp in Gaza City.
17:42According to local sources, the Southeast forces have attacked several points in Gaza despite the ceasefire in effect since October
17:492025.
17:49Earlier on Tuesday night, four civilians including a child were killed while others were injured after an Israeli strike targeted
17:56a vehicle on the Nafak Street in Gaza City.
17:59According to local medical sources, this brings the death toll on the Strip to 72,336 while the number of
18:05injured rises to 172,213.
18:16And nearly 250 refugees are missing after a boat capsized in the Antaman Sea, according to a joint statement by
18:23the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the Bangladesh offices of the International Organization for Migration.
18:29The statement indicated that the vessel departed from the southern Bangladesh bound for Malaysia when it encountered strong winds and
18:36rough waters and sank.
18:38The statement did not specify when the incident occurred.
18:41According to media reports, the vessel was carrying around 280 people and departed from Bangladesh on April 4th.
18:47The Bangladesh Coast Guard reported that a patrol boat rescued nine survivors on the afternoon of April 9th.
18:53One survivor said the boat capsized for days after departing and that those on board had been adrift at sea
18:59for about 36 hours before being rescued.
19:28After a brief visit to a church-run orphanage in Algiers,
19:31Pope Leo XIV concluded his visit in Algeria on Wednesday and departed for Cameroon for the second leg of his
19:37apostolic journey through the African continent.
19:39Earlier, the Pope, he bid farewell to the Apostolic Nunciature and paid a brief visit to Our Lady of Africa
19:46Nursery, run by the Missionary Sisters of Charity.
19:49The farewell ceremony for the Pope took place at Algiers' Hurri Bud Medien International Airport.
19:55The High Pontiff will now continue his apostolic journey in Cameroon with his arrival in the capital city of Yunte.
20:01He is scheduled to meet with the country's president and address authorities, civil society leaders and diplomats.
20:06In Cameroon, the Pope is expected to address things related to peace, coexistence, youth and integral human development.
20:19And Cameroon's capital Yunte prepares for the arrival of Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday and made a historic tour in
20:28Africa that highlights the continent's growing weight in global Catholicism.
20:32Citizens are expected to welcome the Holy Pontiff with banners and decorations displayed across the city.
20:38This is the second country the Pope visits during his tour of the African continent as the importance of the
20:43Catholic Church grows among the young population of a country struck by violent conflicts.
20:47In this regard, ahead of Pope Leo's visit to Cameroon, Amazonian militant groups have reportedly declared a three-day halt
20:55to hostilities in the northwest and southwest,
20:58as were posed in a long-running conflict marked by violence, displacement and millions affected.
21:03.
21:10The coming of the Pope to Africa, to Cameroon especially, is not an accident. It's by design.
21:20And the faith of Africans is well-tuned. Africans believe so much in God. They believe in the power of
21:30prayer.
21:31That is why there is a shift in Africa. The population of Africa, even the number of priests that are
21:38ordained in our churches, every month, the number is increasing, as more than in Europe.
21:49Well, at this we have come to the end of this news review.
21:51You can find these and more stories on our website at www.trestureenglish.net.
21:54And you can also join us on our social media.
21:56For Tresure English, I'm Luis Alberto Matos.
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