Violence in Veracruz/Aid for Cuba
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Violence in Veracruz/Aid for Cuba

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Sofía Hanna By Sofía Hanna | Journalist and Industry Analyst - Mon, 07/26/2021 - 11:34

Crime in Veracruz. Minister of the Navy José Ojeda announced that June's indicators of violence and the overall crime rate were highest in Veracruz. The state ranks second nationally for kidnappings, although the crime has been on a downward trend so far this year. Regarding femicides, Veracruz ranks fifth in relation to the national average; only in June, there were eight cases. In the case of extortions, the state is in seventh place, with 77 cases in June. Theft from transportation vehicles is on a rising trend. Ojeda said that just over 1.72 million liters of stolen fuel had been recovered and 1,600 clandestine intakes detected in Veracruz.

 

New COVID-19 wave. President Andrés Manuel López Obrador commented that the new stage of COVID-19 infections the country is experiencing will be, “less intense and also less harmful because we have fewer hospitalizations and, most important of all, fewer deaths.” He emphasized that this stage will not be like the others, leading to fewer restrictions. “We are not going to enforce any closures, we already know how to take care of ourselves, the information we have received was a lot ... We act with great prudence, balancing freedom, economy and health because everything is important; of course, it is more important is to save lives and health but also to not exaggerate with measures that often do not help either, but what they show is that there is an authoritarian desire.”

 

Laguna Verde nuclear plant. López Obrador rejected accusations that the Laguna Verde nuclear plant is a risk to the local population. The plant is located on the coast of Veracruz, approximately 77km north of the Port of Veracruz. “This project complies with the international standards of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and its operation is carried out by experts and is carried out with excellent efficiency. The IAEA and the National Nuclear Safety and Safeguards Commission certify its operation and facilities periodically.”

 

Wellness Gas. López Obrador said the new LP gas distributor Gas Bienestar will begin operations in Iztapalapa, Mexico City. “Progress is being made, preparations are in place to start.” The new subsidiary of PEMEX is expected to launch in two months. López Obrador said the distribution and commercialization of LP gas would arrive at a time when there is a monopoly in the market made up of five large companies, which, he said, “are behind the rise in this fuel.”

 

Aid to Cuba. López Obrador announced that two ships will leave Veracruz for Cuba with food and medicine. “We made the decision out of solidarity with the situation of the blockade, which wants to subdue the Cuban people and government politically. We made the decision to help, to be in solidarity ... In addition, I take this opportunity to make a call to all the countries of the world to make that position that is demonstrated in the UN, of voting against the blockade, become a fact and help the people of Cuba.” He added: “It is inconceivable that at present, they are seeking to punish an independent country with a blockade.” The aid donation follows a rise in COVID-19 contagions and the faltering economy that have sparked rare public protests in the country.

 

Mexican militarization. The president denied allegations that Mexico was becoming militarized. “In the time that we have been in government, the Armed Forces have not violated human rights. In the case in which there have been very few violations, the Armed Forces themselves have been in charge of punishing those responsible. I have one or two cases in mind and without my ordering action, those responsible for the ministries had made the decision,” López Obrador said. AMLO announced on Sunday that an additional MX$50 billion (US$2.5 billion) would be awarded to the National Guard. This increase is 40 percent more than what was previously granted.

 

 

 

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Click HERE for full transcript in Spanish

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