Newsletter 12

Vol. 4: Issue 12, 3rd April, 2018

Bolivarian Government of Venezuela

Ministry of People’s Power for Foreign Affairs

Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela

Newsletter Weekly

What’s inside Venezuela demands Switzerland ends hostile sanctions

Venezuela demands Switzerland ends hostile sanctions

Diplomatic Solution With Guyana over Essequibo Electoral Council begins financial registry Easter Celebrations Around the World Qatar Gymnastics Federation eyes memorable World Championships Winnie MadikizelaMandela: South Africa's flawed heroine dies at 81 Cambridge Analytica in Latin America: What we know so far

Inside Africa:

Uptake of GM cotton in Africa is the next battle ground for bio-tech firms

Venezuelan foreign minister Jorge Arreaza informed the Swiss Confederation that the Venezuelan Government rejects the Swiss economic attacks that violate the UN Charter Agreement. The minister communicated to the head of negotiations of the Swiss Confederation, Didier Chassot.

In a formal note to Chassot, Chancellor Arreaza says that the economic sanctions and restrictions that the Swiss government placed on Venezuela last week "demonstrate the (Swiss) subordination to members of the European Union and the U.S. government." Arreaza’s note reminded Chassot that the Swiss sanctions violate the fundamentals of the United Nations Charter that both countries signed.

The communique read that Switzerland’s move does not foment dialogue but solidifies extremist views that are using violence for solutions. "Let’s remember that these measures threaten not only the stability of the Venezuelan people but also create difficulty for Swiss businesses operating in Venezuela," communicated Arreaza on behalf of his government.

The Swiss government ordered asset freezes and travel bans for certain Venezuelan companies, organizations, and functionaries, including seven Venezuelan ministers and high-ranking officials, including former National Assembly President Diosdado Cabello, Interior Minister Nestor Reverol, and Chief Justice Maikel Moreno.

The Venezuelan government is demanding sovereignty in its internal affair and that the Swiss government ends its hostile blockade. www.telesurtv.net www.mppre.gob.ve

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Another threat against Venezuela

Diplomatic Solution With Guyana over Essequibo

The Essequibo region has been the focus of a territorial dispute between the former British colony and the Bolivarian government for decades. Venezuela is asking Guyana to reestablish diplomatic ties in order to reach a "practical and satisfying solution to the territorial controversy" regarding the oil-rich Essequibo region, the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry reiterated.

"Under the aegis of the Geneva Agreement of 1966, the government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela proposed the Goverment of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana to reestablished the diplomatic contacts that allow for a practical and satisfying solution of the territorial controversy," the ministry said in a statement.

The invitation comes after Venezuela rejected a United Nations decision to hand the case over to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), a proposal that was in turn welcomed by Guyanese authorities.

"We concluded that a meaningful progress in the controversy has not been reached and that's why the ICJ was chosen as the means to be used for the resolution," U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres said on Jan. 30.

But Venezuela doesn't consider the ICJ's resolutions to be binding, prefering instead to follow guidelines established in the Geneva Agreement of 1966, which states that the dispute should be "solved amicably in a way that's acceptable for both parties."

The Geneva Agreement of 1966 was signed between Venezuela and the United Kingdom regarding steps for a future resolution of the border controversy. Venezuela had rejected the Arbitral Award of 1899 between both countries as "null and void," claiming sovereignty over a portion of what was then British Guiana.

Venezuela's Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza also commented on the issue stressing the Bolivarian country's intentions for a legal and viable dialogue with its neighbor.

Venezuelan lawyer Severo Mallet-Prevost revealed how Russia and Britain made a secret deal in order to influence the judges over the definition of the borders during the 1899 Arbitral Tribunal Award.

British Guinana was granted independence a couple of months after the Geneva Agreement was signed. In 2015, the oil company Exxon Mobil found an oil field in the disputed area, which restarted the territorial conflict.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro made an initial request for a U.N. Good Offices mediation in July 2015 after Guyana began exploratory measures to extract oil in the disputed Essequibo territory.

Formal talks between the two countries and United Nations Representative Dag Nylander from Norway began in September, but failed to reach an agreement.

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www.telesurtv.net www.mppre.gob.ve

Electoral Council begins financial registry

Opposition candidate Henri Falcon promises to ask for private capital for PDVSA

The National Electoral Council opened the financial registration process for political parties to submit their information. The call was made through an official notice published in a national newspaper that also includes electoral groups, communities and indigenous organizations as well as the registered candidates for the 20th of May 2018 elections.

Payments in Petros

Presidential candidate, Henri Falcon, said that in case he wins the elections he will request loans worth 12 billion dollars to reactivate the Venezuelan oil industry. Falcon assured he will resort to international organizations to pump economic resources to PDVSA, which has decreased its production to less than 2 million oil barrels per day.

The National Institute of Aquatic Spaces started to charge in Petros for the services provided to foreign vessels.

The charges with the Venezuelan cryptoactive begun following an order issued by President Nicolas Maduro.

The statement emitted by the National Institute of Aquatic Spaces, specifies that the amounts will be expressed in dollars on the work sheet but payments must be done in Petros. The Presidential order issued on the 22nd of March implies that all institutions and state companies that generate income in foreign currency must be charged in Petros. According to the National Institute of Aquatic Spaces, all shipping companies must present their payment scheme in Petros. The Venezuelan government began circulating the Petro on February 20th to break the economic dependency that the country has with the North American dollar.

The main opposition candidate considers that PDVSA has taken “partisanship� and lost its institutional scheme, causing a decrease in production and a contraction in the country’s cash flow. Currently the oil business generates 97% of the dollars that enter Venezuela. Falcon stated that he will keep alliances with private and State companies from Russia and China.

Source: Chavezvive 3

Easter Celebrations Around the World

Pope Francis addresses huge crowds gathered in St Peter's square in Vatican City during Easter

A nun reads the book of the gospels before the start of the Easter vigil mass led by Pope Francis in Saint Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, March 31.

Chinese Catholics attend the Easter Vigil at a church in Shanghai, China, March 31.

Children get ready to take part in a re-enactment of the Via Crucis (Way of the Cross) during Good Friday celebrations in Lima, Peru.

Ivory Coast's groups, perform in Assounvoue village during "Paquinou." It is an Easter celebration with reconciliation, food, music and dance.

Syrian scouts parade through the Christian neighborhood of Bab Sharqi in Old Damascus.

For Christians around the world, the Holy Week and Easter are a time to celebrate Jesus Christ's return to Jerusalem, his crucifixion and his resurrection.

In some countries, that can mean lighting candles, attending ceremonies and watching solemn processions go by. In others, it can be a chance to dance, make music and eat special foods.

From a balcony in St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, above a sea of eager faces, Pope Frances spoke of how "Christians believe and know that Christ's resurrection is the true hope of the world, the hope that does not disappoint." He said, "It is the power of the grain of wheat, the power of that love which humbles itself and gives itself to the very end, and thus truly renews the world."

As Christians everywhere partake in Easter festivities, he called for "fruits of peace upon the entire world," especially in countries like Syria, Yemen and Venezuela where suffering endures. www.npr.org www.telesurtv.net The views and opinions expressed in these articles are of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the Embassy

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Qatar Gymnastics Federation eyes memorable World Championships

Hailing the recently-concluded FIG Artistic Individual World Cup a huge success, President of the Qatar Gymnastics Federation (QGF) Ali Al Hitmi has vowed to host a memorable World Championships when top athletes will come back to Doha later this year.

Qatar, which has been hosting the FIG World Cup series since 2007 will become the first country in the Middle East to host the mega event scheduled from October 25 – November 3, 2018.

The QGF tested their mettle for hosting the spectacle during the World Cup which was held from March 21 to 24 at the Aspire Dome. Over 360 athletes from 39 countries took part in the four-day annual event which saw thrilling battles as gymnasts fought for a total of 10 gold medals.

“The event was a successful dress rehearsal for the World Championships,” Al Hitmi said.

“We have plenty of experience of hosting top notch events and I am confident we will be able to deliver memorable World Championships in Doha,” he added.

“We will try very hard to make it best World Championships for artistic gymnastics because we have great capabilities and modern facilities.”

Top International Federation of Gymnastics, who were here during the event, praised QGF for hosting successful World Cup series since 11 years and hoped World Championships in Qatar will be a blockbuster.

In addition, top gymnasts also showed their interest in participating in the OctoberNovember event.

Uzbek veteran Oksana Chusovitana who successfully defended her volt title on Friday said she was desperate to come to Doha. “ I love competing in Doha. The support I get here from the spectators here motivates me to come back again and again,” the 42-year-old said. “I am looking forward to come here and win more gold medals,” she added. www.thepeninsulaqatar.com The views and opinions expressed in these articles are of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the Embassy

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Winnie Madikizela-Mandela:

South Africa's flawed heroine dies at 81

Who has paid tribute?

South African anti-apartheid campaigner and former first lady Winnie Madikizela-Mandela has died. She and her former husband Nelson Mandela, who were both jailed, were a symbol of the country's anti-apartheid struggle for three decades.

In a televised address President Cyril Ramaphosa whom Mrs Madikizela-Mandela praised earlier this year called her as a "voice of defiance" against white-minority rule.

"In the face of exploitation, she was a champion of justice and equality," he said on Monday. "She as an abiding symbol of the desire of our people to be free".

Crowds of mourners and political figures flocked to her home in Soweto, in Johannesburg, after news of her death broke. Family spokesman Victor Dlamini confirmed that Mrs Mandela "succumbed peacefully in the early hours of Monday 2nd April 2018 surrounded by her family and loved ones" following a long illness, which had seen her go in and out of hospital since the start of the year.

Retired archbishop and Nobel laureate Desmond Tutu said she was a "defining symbol of the struggle against apartheid". "Her courageous defiance was deeply inspirational to me, and to generations of activists," he added.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and the Venezuela family joins the African continent in grief at the passing of Winnie Madikazela-Mandela. On this sad occasion‚ the Government of Venezuela conveys heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of South Africa and join the African continent and freedom lovers all over the world in mourning the passing of a true freedom fighter and an iconic South African. . . She stands as a bright light that shone a way forward for many others. She stood for principle‚ and her values outlast the struggle and apply to this day.

'Mother of the Nation' Mrs Madikizela-Mandela was born in 1936 in the Eastern Cape - then known as Transkei. She was a trained social worker when she met her future husband in the 1950s.

They went on to have two daughters together.

They were married for a total of 38 years, although for almost three decades of that time they were separated due to Mr Mandela's long imprisonment. It was Mrs MadikizelaMandela who took his baton after he was jailed for life, becoming an international symbol of resistance to apartheid.

She too was jailed for her role in the fight for justice and equality. To her supporters, she became known affectionately as "Mother of the Nation".

www.theguardian.com www.bbc.com www.telesurtv.net The views and opinions expressed in these articles are of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the Embassy

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Cambridge Analytica in Latin America: What we know so far "Pig.gi has already been hugely successful in Mexico and Colombia," said CEO Alexander Nix last year in a communique, when the app recorded 200,000 users. "We're thrilled to be partnering with the app so that their partners can get the right message to the right people at the right time."

Cambridge Analytica worked on U.S. President Donald Trump's election campaign, and gained access to data on 50 million Facebook users in order to build voter profiles – including in Latin American countries holding elections.

Cambridge Analytica has been broadly associated with helping Donald Trump win the 2016 U.S. presidential elections.

Cambridge Analytica's vice president told Bloomberg last year that the partnership was transparently designed to influence the votes of younger Mexicans — as Mexico's general election is due on July 1. BuzzFeed Mexico also reported that another Cambridge executive started last year to hire data analysts in nine states in Mexico, presenting the job post on LinkedIn as "the brain behind the Mexican elections."

1. Brazil Cambridge Analytica Chief Data Officer Dr Alex Tayler and Managing Director Mark Turnbull told an undercover Channel 4 journalist that the company has been working in Mexico and was now targeting Brazil, among other countries.

In an Oct. 23 Facebook post to the page 'Foreigners in Mexico City,' ahead of governor elections, executives of Cambridge's Mexican branch such as Arielle Dale Karro were also reportedly in contact with members of the PAN conservative party, including Senator Ernesto Cordero.

"If you're collecting data on people and you're profiling them, that gives you more insight that you can use to know how to segment the population, give them messaging about issues they care about, and language and imagery they're likely to engage with," Tayler said.

Cambridge's webpage also mentions Colombia as one of its major operations centers, quoting Bogota Mayor Enrique Peñalosa (Green Party) as one of its advisors. The mayor's office denied any links with the company.

"We use that in America and we use that in Africa, that's what we do as a company. We've done it in Mexico, we've done it in Malaysia, and now we're moving to Brazil… Australia, China."

Colombian daily El Tiempo found that Peñalosa worked with Farrow Colombia S. A. S. in July 2017, a company linked with the app Pig.gi — which records 150,000 users in the country, aiming to reach 800,000 by 2018. Colombian voters are bound for the polls on May 27 to elect a new president, about two months after the parliamentary elections held early March, with the victory of center-right and far-right parties.

Brazilian prosecutors on Wednesday opened an investigation into whether the London-based political consultancy acted illegally in Brazil, as controversy over the firm's data harvesting practices spread across the globe.

The firm is suspected of having illegally used the data of millions of Brazilians to create psychographic profiles through its partnership with Sao Paulo-based consulting group A Ponte Estratégia Planejamento e Pesquisa LTDA. Ponte Estrategia allegedly asked to suspend the partnership with Cambridge Analytica, according to Bloomberg Business. Brazil is Facebook's third-largest market, and Brazilians will be holding a major election in less than seven months.

3. Peru, Argentina and Guyana

2. Mexico and Colombia

In Argentina, authorities are not waiting for an official request, and the National Electoral Chamber of the judicial branch has opened an investigation into Cambridge Analytica's work in the country.

According to a map published on Cambridge's website, the company has also operated in Guyana, Peru and Argentina, although little information is available about the extent of the operations.

The firm acknowledged having operated in Mexico, while Bloomberg Business shed light on PR material showing how it sealed a partnership with a phone application named Pig.gi and designed to provide free internet and phone credit in exchange for watching advertisements and reading sponsored stories.

He also discloses links to former MI6 agents and Israeli intelligence companies who provide Cambridge Analytica's clients with a report on "all the skeletons" in their opponents' closets.

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www.telesurtv.net The views and opinions expressed in these articles are of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the Embassy

INSIDE AFRICA:

Uptake of GM cotton in Africa is the next battle ground for bio-tech firms

A farming technician inspects transgenic cotton. A Johannesburg-based lobby group, says the fight for control of GM agriculture in Africa could play out between Bayer AG and ChemChina, with Indian companies also coming into play in the future

Africa could become a battleground for European, US and Asian multinationals seeking to control the growing of genetically modified cotton in Africa, particularly in Ethiopia, Kenya and Malawi.

Monsanto dominates the global market as the sole owner of Bollgard technology cotton approved for commercial growing in US, China, South Africa, Argentina, India, Brazil, Costa Rica, Burkina Faso, Sudan, Pakistan and Myanmar.

The scramble for the GM seed market is expected to intensify next year after two notable multinational mergers: The $66 billion takeover of Monsato by Germany’s Bayer AG, and the $43 billion acquisition of Switzerland’s Syngenta AG by China National Chemical Corporation (ChemChina).

Chinese and Indian technology firms have been producing cheaper generic versions after Bollgard I patent expired in 2011. During the life of the patent, Monsanto sold seeds and got fees for use of the technology from rival biotech firms.

Experts say the deals will open Monsanto to stiffer competition from ChemChina which could support supply of cheaper generic GM cotton seed by other bio-tech companies — besides Monsato — to African farmers.

Large-scale planting One of the intentions by ChemChina for buying Syngenta is the promotion of large-scale planting of GM crops.

Syngenta has a significant presence in Cameroon and Cote d’Ivoire.

The African Centre for Biodiversity (ACB), a Johannesburg-based lobby group, said the fight for control of GM agriculture in Africa could play out between Bayer AG and ChemChina, with Indian companies also coming into play in the future.

GM cotton seeds such as Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) increases yields through in built resistance to pests like bollworms which lowers production costs by reducing use of insecticides. However, Bt cotton seeds are more expensive compared with conventional seeds.

South Africa grows Monsanto’s Bollgard II cotton while Kenya and Malawi are carrying trials of the variety. Swaziland is using Indian GM varieties and Sudan is using the Chinese variety. “Ethiopia prefers seed from India and Sudan, rather than Monsanto’s Bt cotton because the company did not want to undertake laboratory or field tests,” said ACB in a statement.

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Bayer’s GM cotton seeds were sold in South Africa in 2013. The company has commenced genetically modified cotton trials in Cameroon with commercialisation of seed expected in 2018.

China has funded demonstration centres in Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Sudan, Ethiopia, Zambia, Mozambique, South Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Zimbabwe, Benin, Cameroon, Liberia, Togo and Guinea-Bissau.

Monsanto dominates GM cotton seed sales, while Bayer operates representative offices in Ghana, Zambia and Angola with key markets for crop protection products in South Africa, Kenya, Cote d’Ivoire, Morocco and Algeria.

ACB said the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) was an incentive to revitalise the cotton sector.

East and Southern African countries are turning to GM cotton to increase yields to address the decline of organic crop production.

“The merged company will enjoy Monsanto’s existing presence in African countries and ability to perhaps provide further complementary products, without the risks posed to Bayer in entering these markets,” said ACB.

Africa’s push for GM cotton comes against subsidies to cotton farmers in the US, China and European Union.

ChemChina-Syngenta merger

www.theeastafrican.co.ke The views and opinions expressed in these articles are of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the Embassy

The lobby said the ChemChina-Syngenta merger will grow Syngenta’s market share as China is deeply involved in Africa’s agriculture in terms of financial aid, 25 agricultural demonstration centres and state-funded cotton firms.

Subsidiaries of China-Africa Cotton Development Ltd in Malawi, Zambia, Mozambique and Zimbabwe own seven ginneries, two cotton seed oil extracting mills and seed plant contract thousands of smallholder growers. It is the largest cotton firm in Malawi and one of three largest in Zambia.

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