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Maduro open to US talks on drug trafficking, but silent on CIA strike

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Maduro open to US talks on drug trafficking, but silent on CIA strike

Caracas, Venezuela — Venezuela is open to negotiating an agreement with the United States to combat drug trafficking, the South American country’s President Nicolás Maduro said in a pretaped interview aired Thursday on state television, but he declined to comment on a CIA-led strike last week at a Venezuelan docking area that the Trump administration believed was used by cartels.

Maduro, in an interview with Spanish journalist Ignacio Ramonet, reiterated that the U.S. wants to force a government change in Venezuela and gain access to its vast oil reserves through the monthslong pressure campaign that began with a massive military deployment to the Caribbean Sea in August.

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“What are they seeking? It is clear that they seek to impose themselves through threats, intimidation and force,” Maduro said, later adding that it is time for both nations to “start talking seriously, with data in hand.”

“The U.S. government knows, because we’ve told many of their spokespeople, that if they want to seriously discuss an agreement to combat drug trafficking, we’re ready,” he said. “If they want oil, Venezuela is ready for U.S. investment, like with Chevron, whenever they want it, wherever they want it and however they want it.”

Chevron Corp. is the only major oil company exporting Venezuelan crude to the U.S. Venezuela has the world’s largest proven oil reserves.

The interview was taped on New Year’s Eve, the same day the U.S. military announced strikes against five alleged drug-smuggling boats. The latest attacks bring the total number of known boat strikes to 35 and the number of people killed to at least 115, according to numbers announced by the Trump administration. Venezuelans are among the victims.

President Donald Trump has justified the attacks as a necessary escalation to stem the flow of drugs into the United States and asserted that the U.S. is engaged in an “armed conflict” with drug cartels. The strikes began off Venezuela’s Caribbean coast and later expanded to the eastern Pacific Ocean.

Meanwhile, the CIA was behind a drone strike last week at a docking area believed to have been used by Venezuelan drug cartels, according to two people familiar with details of the operation who requested anonymity to discuss the classified matter. It was the first known direct operation on Venezuelan soil since the boat strikes began, a significant escalation in the administration’s pressure campaign on Maduro, who has been charged with narco-terrorism in the U.S.

Asked about the operation on Venezuelan soil, Maduro said he could “talk about it in a few days.”

SOURCE : AP NEWS |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Indonesia halts rice, sugar, corn imports in 2026

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Indonesia halts rice, sugar, corn imports in 2026

Jakarta, Indonesia — The Indonesian government announced a total ban on the import of rice, table sugar, and corn for 2026, citing a significant rise in domestic production and a strategic pivot toward national food self-sufficiency.

The government has even shelved plans for industrial rice imports, which are typically used for manufacturing, Tatang Yuliono, a senior official at the Coordinating Ministry for Food Affairs, stated on Thursday.

He stated that the country has successfully achieved self-reliance in these strategic commodities for household consumption, following a comprehensive review of the 2026 National Commodity Balance.

Agriculture Minister Andi Amran Sulaiman emphasized that the policy follows direct instructions from President Prabowo Subianto to prioritize the welfare of local farmers and livestock breeders.

By halting the import of industrial-grade rice, the government intends to compel domestic businesses to source raw materials from local farmers, thereby encouraging improvements in yield quality and processing standards.

“We hope that locally sourced raw materials can meet standards for amylose content, hygiene, viscosity, and hardness,” Sulaiman said, noting that the policy is designed to strengthen the domestic supply chain.

The ban is supported by optimistic production forecasts.

Table sugar production for 2026 is projected to reach 3 million tonnes, exceeding the annual demand of 2.836 million tonnes, especially when combined with a carryover stock of 1.437 million tonnes from the previous year.

Similarly, the government expects a corn yield of 18 million tonnes, which comfortably surpasses the national demand of 17.055 million tonnes.

Government officials believe these surpluses provide a sufficient buffer to ensure price stability and food security without relying on international markets.

The 2026 National Food Balance will serve as the primary roadmap for implementing these measures and monitoring the transition to full agricultural independence.

SOURCE : ANTARA |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Scholar-diplomat Abhay Kumar assumes charge as India’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan

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Scholar-diplomat Abhay Kumar assumes charge as India’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan

New Delhi, India – Shri Abhay Kumar, Indian Foreign Service (IFS), has been appointed as India’s Ambassador to the Republic of Azerbaijan, marking a new chapter in his distinguished diplomatic career. Widely regarded as a scholar-diplomat, his appointment is seen as recognition of his long-standing contributions to India’s global engagement and cultural diplomacy.

Shri Abhay Kumar is also known for his scholarly work, particularly his widely acclaimed book Nalanda: How It Changed the World. The book, noted for its lucid narrative and global outlook, explores the far-reaching influence of Nalanda on education, philosophy, science, and cross-cultural exchanges across Asia.

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It has been extensively discussed in academic forums, literary festivals, and cultural diplomacy platforms, earning praise from scholars, diplomats, and general readers alike for reviving global awareness of Nalanda’s civilisational legacy. The book was launched at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, where several eminent scholars participated in the event.

A 2003-batch IFS officer, Shri Abhay Kumar has served India in several key diplomatic roles, including as Ambassador to Madagascar and the Union of Comoros, and as Deputy Ambassador to Brazil. He is currently serving as Deputy Director General at the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), New Delhi, where he has played an important role in strengthening India’s cultural outreach and people-to-people ties worldwide.

Beyond diplomacy, he is an accomplished poet, translator, and artist. His literary contributions have earned him several prestigious honours, including the SAARC Literary Award (2013), the Kalinga Literature Festival Award (2022), and the Bharat Shiksha Samman (2025). His recent work, Hanuman Chalisa in English, has further expanded the global reach of India’s spiritual and literary heritage.

Observers express confidence that Shri Abhay Kumar’s unique blend of diplomatic expertise, literary sensibility, and cultural vision will contribute significantly to deepening India–Azerbaijan relations and enhancing mutual understanding between the two countries.

SOURCE : MEA |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Indonesia may extend search for three Spaniards missing after shipwreck

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Indonesia may extend search for three Spaniards missing after shipwreck

Labuan Bajo, Indonesia — Indonesian authorities said on Wednesday they expect to extend the search for three Spaniards missing after a shipwreck off eastern Indonesia, beyond the seven-day period stipulated by law.

Speaking at a meeting at the command post in Labuan Bajo, from where part of the operation is coordinated, the local navy chief, Stephanus Risdiganto, said he “expects” the search to continue as additional resources are being deployed to the area to locate the missing Spaniards.

The sixth day of the operation, carried out on Wednesday, “did not yield any results,” Fathur Rahman, an official from the National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS) coordinating the mission, told EFE at the end of the day.

Rahman said a decision on whether to extend the operation will be taken on Thursday “after assessing the results” of the seventh day of searches.

BASARNAS expanded the search area on Wednesday to 34.96 nautical miles, focusing mainly north of the site where the tourist boat sank last Friday near Padar Island, close to Komodo National Park.

The vessel went down after being hit by three large waves, Risdiganto previously told EFE.

Wednesday’s operation involved teams from BASARNAS, the police, the coast guard, the navy and the army, along with a dozen professional volunteer divers searching both the surface and seabed.

The search is set to resume at first light on Thursday, with sonar equipment to be used during the seventh day to scan the seabed.
If potential remains are detected, divers will attempt visual confirmation, officials said during Wednesday night’s meeting.

Locating the wreckage remains a key objective, as rescuers believe the bodies of the missing may be trapped inside the vessel.
Of the 11 people on board at the time of the accident, seven, two Spaniards, four Indonesian crew members and an Indonesian guide, were rescued.

The body of a Spanish minor was recovered on Monday.

The governor of East Nusa Tenggara province, where Labuan Bajo is located, Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena, visited the area of the accident on Wednesday.

He travelled by boat with local religious leaders to pray for the swift recovery of the missing.

Laka Lena also met on Tuesday night with the families of the three Spaniards, including Andrea Ortuño, one of the survivors of the shipwreck and the mother of the rescued minor and of the child whose body was found two days ago.

“We are going to find them,” the governor said during an emotional meeting attended by the father of the deceased child.

The three Spaniards still missing are Fernando Martín, a former footballer and coach of Valencia CF’s women’s B team, and two minors, one son of Martín and one son of Ortuño. The two adults were recently married.

SOURCE : EFE. |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

UN official reaffirms Somalia’s sovereignty after Israeli recognition of Somaliland

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UN official reaffirms Somalia’s sovereignty after Israeli recognition of Somaliland

United Nations – Khaled Khiari, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific, called on the Security Council on Monday for respect for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity following Israel’s announcement that it recognizes Somaliland as an independent state.

In a session dedicated to the situation in Somalia, Khiari recalled that the Security Council has repeatedly reaffirmed respect for the sovereignty, political independence, and unity of the African country.

Khiari also urged Somalia and Somaliland to resume a “peaceful and constructive dialogue,” recalling the 2023 Djibouti Communique as a framework for negotiations between the two parties.

“We call on both parties to refrain from any action that could further aggravate the situation,” he added.

Somalia’s representative, Abukar Osman, condemned Israel’s action, which he considers “null” as it “violates the principles of the UN.”

“They seek to fragment the territory; we must reject this announcement in the clearest terms,” said Osman, who called on member states to unite in rejecting this action, which he described as an “attack on the international legal order.”

Israel officially recognized Somaliland as an “independent and sovereign state” on Dec. 26, according to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Israel’s recognition, the first country in the world to take this step, has met with widespread international rejection, especially from Africa, the Islamic world, China, and the European Union.

The Arab League (formed by 22 countries, including Somalia) said on Sunday that the recognition constitutes an “attack” on regional security, urging the application of “legal, economic, political, and diplomatic measures” against Israel.

The Federal Government of Somalia also categorically rejected the measure, stating that no external actor has the authority to modify its unity or territorial configuration.

The Somali statement noted that any recognition of Somaliland by Israel or other countries lacks legal and political validity and that actions of this type can destabilize the region and increase international tensions.

On Dec. 27, both chambers of the Somali Parliament also condemned the Israeli recognition, considering it “illegal” and without international legal effect.

SOURCE : EFE. |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Protests over economic deterioration in Iran spread to several cities

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Protests over economic deterioration in Iran spread to several cities

Tehran, Iran – Protests in Iran over the deteriorating economic situation continued Monday for a second day, spreading from Tehran to other areas of the country.

The demonstrations were surrounded by security forces, who in some cases fired tear gas to disperse the demonstrators.

On Monday, merchants in the Grand Bazaar in southern Tehran closed their businesses and staged a demonstration, according to official media outlets including IRNA.

Those dissatisfied with the economic situation chanted slogans such as “close, close,” urging other stores that were open to join the protest.

Videos released by activists on social media showed the presence of security forces at the scene, and an image of a man sitting on the ground in front of them, covering his head with his coat, has gone viral.

The demonstrations spread to other parts of the city, including the Alaeddin and Charsu mobile phone shopping centers, the Amin Hozur appliance market, and the Delevarán furniture market, among others.

Other images showed people shouting slogans against the authorities at a Tehran subway station.

Rallies were also reported in Malard (Tehran province), Karaj (north), Kerman (southeast), Zanjan and Hamadan (northwest), and the island of Qeshm (south).

Protesters chanted slogans against the Islamic Republic, such as “death to the dictator,” but also pro-monarchy slogans, such as “This is the last battle, Pahlavi will return,” in reference to the Pahlavi dynasty overthrown by the Islamic Revolution of 1979.

Some videos showed the authorities firing tear gas to disperse the protesters.

On the second consecutive day of protests, the Revolutionary Guard warned that it would oppose “any attempt at sedition, chaos, or threat to security.”

The Tasnim agency, linked to the Revolutionary Guard, claimed that “anti-Iranian media and foreign security organizations, through some of their internal agents, have been present at some rallies to turn the protests into riots.”

Even so, it is reported that merchants will continue their protests for a third day on Tuesday, while the student website Amirkabir announced that students from Shahid Beheshti and Amirkabir universities in Tehran will also hold a rally.

Demonstrations began on Sunday at several shopping centers in Tehran due to the volatility of the national currency, which has been falling against foreign currencies, especially the dollar.

Merchants believe it is not in their best interest to sell their goods, as replacing them would be more expensive.

The Iranian currency hit a new all-time low of 1,440,000 rials per dollar on Sunday, but recovered on Monday, trading at 1,360,000 rials.

In addition, recent data from the Iranian Statistics Center indicate that point-to-point inflation exceeded 52% between November and December, which has drastically reduced the population’s purchasing power.

SOURCE : EFE. |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Indonesia, US reach agreement on reciprocal trade deal substance

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Indonesia, US reach agreement on reciprocal trade deal substance

Jakarta, Indonesia  — Indonesia and the United States (US) have agreed on the substance of the Agreements on Reciprocal Trade (ART) negotiations, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto said.

The agreement was reached after an official meeting between Hartarto and the United States Trade Representative (USTR), Ambassador Jamieson Greer, on Monday (December 22) in Washington, D.C.

“This agreement is both commercial and strategic and will benefit the economic interests of both countries. Regarding the content and substance, discussions were held from December 17 to 22, and all aspects have been agreed upon by both parties,” Hartarto said during an online press conference on Tuesday.

Since the Liberation Day announcement on April 2, 2025, when the US government imposed reciprocal tariffs, the Indonesian government has conducted intensive negotiations with Washington to address various trade issues between the two countries.

A joint statement issued on July 22, 2025, announced a reduction in reciprocal tariffs imposed on Indonesia from 32 percent to 19 percent.

Following the issuance of the statement, both countries continued intensive negotiations to finalize a comprehensive trade agreement.

Under the reciprocal trade agreement, Indonesia committed to providing market access for US products, addressing non-tariff barriers, and strengthening cooperation in digital trade and technology, national security, and commercial relations.

Meanwhile, the US committed to granting tariff exemptions for Indonesia’s leading export products that it does not produce domestically, such as palm oil, cocoa, coffee, tea, and other commodities.

During the meeting with Ambassador Greer, Minister Hartarto encouraged the resolution of all key and technical issues to ensure mutual agreement. After extensive discussions, both parties agreed on all key issues forming the substance of the ART.

The agreement is scheduled to be signed by President Prabowo Subianto and US President Donald Trump at the end of January 2026.

Following the agreement, technical teams from both countries will meet in Washington, D.C. in the second week of January 2026 to finalize technical aspects, with completion targeted within one week.

By the third week of January 2026, the ART document is expected to be finalized by both parties.

Currently, the US is coordinating with the US National Security Agency (NSA) to determine the most appropriate timing for the planned meeting between the two heads of state.

SOURCE : ANTARA |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

India and New Zealand finalize a free trade agreement, eyeing growth as global uncertainties persist

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India and New Zealand finalize a free trade agreement, eyeing growth as global uncertainties persist

New Delhi, India – India and New Zealand announced Monday they have reached a free trade deal, seeking to deepen economic ties and shore up growth at a time of mounting global trade uncertainties.

The move comes as New Delhi accelerates efforts to diversify export destinations as part of a broader strategy to offset the impact of steep U.S. import tariffs.

A formal signing of the agreement between India and New Zealand is expected in the first quarter of next year after legal scrubbing of the negotiated text, India’s chief negotiator Petal Dhillon told reporters.

The India-New Zealand trade agreement, negotiated over nine months, aims to lower tariffs, ease regulatory barriers and expand cooperation across goods, services and investments.

It underscores India’s push to lock in trade partnerships beyond traditional markets as global commerce faces strains from unpredictable tariffs and geopolitical tensions, slowing growth and raising protectionism.

As part of the deal, India would get zero-duty-export access for all its goods to New Zealand while Wellington would get duty concessions and market access for about 70% of New Delhi’s tariff lines, covering 95% of its exports in a phased manner, Indian officials said.

India’s major sectors that will gain from tax free exports include textiles, apparel, engineering goods, leather and footwear, and marine products, while New Zealand’s major gains will be in horticulture, wood exports, coal, and sheep wool and meat, among others.

New Zealand has committed investments worth $20 billion in India over a period of 15 years as part of the agreement, India’s Trade Ministry said.

New Delhi has excluded from the deal dairy imports such as milk, cream, whey, yoghurt, and cheese, along with animal and vegetable products, including goat meat, onions and almonds, citing “domestic sensitivities.”

Bilateral trade between India and New Zealand remains modest compared with New Delhi’s bigger partners, but officials said the deal has strong growth potential. Two-way trade that includes merchandise goods and services stood at $2.4 billion in 2024, which the two sides hope to double in about five years, Trade Secretary Rajesh Agarwal said.

“Given the limited scale of bilateral trade, the agreement is less a trade breakthrough than a framework for deeper cooperation,” trade analyst Ajay Srivastava said.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said in a post on X Monday that he spoke to his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on conclusion of the talks. He said New Zealand’s exports to India are forecast to increase by $1.1 billion to $1.3 billion annually over the coming two decades as a result of the agreement.

“Boosting trade means more Kiwi jobs, higher wages and more opportunities for hard working New Zealanders,” he said.

New Zealand Trade Minister Todd McClay said the agreement gives the country access to markets that India has not provided to any other country.

“New Zealand is the first country to secure any access for apples and honey into India in an FTA. We have secured the best access for kiwi fruit into India of any country in the world,” he said.

Indian Trade Minister Piyush Goyal said the agreement demonstrates India was “rapidly expanding” its trade relations with countries that complement the Indian economy rather than competing with it.

India is betting that a wider network of trade agreements will help cushion external shocks and anchor its export ambitions. In recent months, New Delhi has accelerated a push to finalize several free trade agreements. The country is in advanced talks with the European Union and Chile, among others, and hopes to finalize terms of reference soon to negotiate a pact with Canada.

The stepped-up negotiations come as Indian exporters face pressure from higher U.S. import tariffs, which went into effect in August. The tariffs include an additional 25% levy on India for its unabated purchases of discounted Russian oil, bringing the combined tariffs imposed by the United States on its ally to 50%.

India has been the second biggest importer of Russian crude after China, drawing criticism from Washington that it was helping finance Moscow’s war machine against Ukraine.

While India and the U.S. have been negotiating a bilateral trade agreement, the tariffs have weighed on sectors such as textiles, auto components, metals and labor-intensive manufacturing.

India signed comprehensive economic cooperation and trade agreements with the United Arab Emirates and Australia in recent years, lifting bilateral trade with both countries. In May, Britain and India announced a hard-wrought FTA that will slash tariffs on products including Scotch whisky and English gin shipped to India, and Indian food and spices sent to the U.K.

Last week, India signed a comprehensive economic partnership agreement with Oman.

SOURCE : AP NEWS |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Egypt Looks to Deepen Economic Ties with Iraq, El-Sisi Tells Kurdistan Prime Minister

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Egypt Looks to Deepen Economic Ties with Iraq, El-Sisi Tells Kurdistan Prime Minister

Cairo, Egypt — Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani met Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi at the Heliopolis Palace on Sunday, where the two leaders discussed strengthening bilateral ties and expanding economic cooperation.

President El-Sisi welcomed Prime Minister Barzani’s visit and reaffirmed Egypt’s readiness to further develop relations with the Kurdistan Region, particularly in the fields of investment and trade. Barzani praised Egypt’s role and President El-Sisi’s leadership in promoting peace and stability across the region.

Both sides stressed the importance of deepening cooperation between Egypt and the Kurdistan Region across multiple sectors. El-Sisi highlighted the capabilities of Egyptian companies, especially in energy and infrastructure, noting their experience in delivering projects domestically and internationally to high standards at competitive costs. He invited the Kurdistan Regional Government to benefit from this expertise.

Barzani welcomed the potential involvement of Egyptian companies in Iraq, saying he looked forward to working closely with Egyptian authorities during his visit to explore ways to enhance cooperation and draw on Egyptian expertise in sectors that are priorities for his government.

The meeting was attended by Hassan Rashad, head of Egypt’s General Intelligence Service, as well as Rebar Ahmed and Mohsen Kamal, head of the Kurdistan Region Intelligence Service.

Both delegations also agreed to strengthen coordination and cooperation to help maintain security and stability in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and the wider region.

SOURCE : KRD.GOV |  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

Deadly Knife and Grenade Attack in Taiwan Kills 3, Injures 9

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Deadly Knife and Grenade Attack in Taiwan Kills 3, Injures 9

Taipei, Taiwan — At least three people, including the suspected attacker, were killed on Friday after a 27-year-old man carried out a knife and grenade attack in central Taipei, authorities said.

The attack began in and around Taipei Main Station, a major transportation hub in the Taiwanese capital, before spreading to nearby commercial areas. Several others were injured before the suspect died by suicide while fleeing police, according to officials.

Local media reported that the assailant jumped from a building as officers attempted to arrest him. One victim, a man in his 50s, died from cardiac arrest caused by the grenade attack, while a second victim, believed to be in his 30s, suffered a fatal stab wound to the neck. Emergency services said seven other people were injured, one of them seriously.

Videos circulating on social media and verified by EFE showed a masked man wearing what appeared to be protective armor and carrying a knife, allegedly attacking pedestrians at random. The Taipei Fire Department said it received the first emergency call at 5:24 p.m. local time, reporting that gas grenades had been thrown inside the station.

Smoke from the grenades forced trains passing through the station to skip stops until platforms were cleared. After deploying the grenade, the suspect reportedly moved to a nearby commercial district, where multiple people were stabbed on the street.

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an told reporters that the attacker was a Taiwanese man born in 1998 who later died by suicide after jumping from a store while being chased by police. The suspect was identified as Chang Wen, who allegedly had an outstanding arrest warrant for evading mandatory military service.

In response, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te said on Facebook that the government would “do everything possible to ensure public safety,” including strengthening security measures, and announced an investigation into the motive behind the attack. Prime Minister Cho Jung-tai said he had ordered increased patrols and security checks at train stations and other major transit points nationwide.

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and whether the suspect acted alone.

SOURCE : DT& EFE.|  Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Youtube |

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