#Ambassador Gustavo de

[p-h03n1-x]

Chanel Weibo update 11.6.2023 Actor and Chanel brand ambassador Wang Yibo selected song list in NetEase and QQ Music

Link to NetEase here and QQ Music here

But if you’re like me who doesn’t have NetEase (because I can’t reinstall my Net Ease app anymore due to geo restrictions), and there’s so many geo restrictions on QQ Music, then here’s the same playlist, but on Spotify, which I hope will be accessible for most international locations ☺️

[newstfionline]

Tuesday, September 3, 2024

US border policy spurred migrant camps hundreds of miles away in Mexico’s capital (AP) “That’s it, dude! Done!,” exclaimed Eliezer López as he jumped up and down, throwing his arms to the sky and drawing a sign of the cross across his chest. His joy was so contagious, his friends started to emerge from nearby tents to celebrate with him. López, a 20-year-old Venezuelan migrant in Mexico City, had reason to rejoice: after several frustrating attempts, he was able to secure an appointment to seek asylum in the U.S. He is one of thousands of migrants whose U.S.-bound journey has landed them in the Mexican capital, the southernmost point until recently from which migrants can register to request an appointment to seek asylum through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s mobile app known as CBP One. This U.S. asylum policy and its geographic limits are a driving force behind the emergence of migrant encampments throughout the Mexican capital where thousands of migrants wait weeks—even months—in limbo, living in crowded, makeshift camps with poor sanitation and grim living conditions.

Honduran snub highlights anti-US swing in Latin America (The Hill) Honduras is threatening to ditch a bilateral extradition treaty, furthering a pattern of snubs delivered against the United States by an array of Latin American leaders. Anti-American rhetoric has been on the rise in the region, with presidents of partner countries—not just avowed U.S. rivals—casually leveling accusations of U.S.-led plots and coups. Honduras’ threat follows a week of heightened U.S.-Mexico tensions, with Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador declaring his relationship with the U.S. embassy on “pause” after Ambassador Ken Salazar said a judicial reform proposal “represents a risk for the functioning of Mexico’s democracy, and the integration of the American, Mexican and Canadian economies.” Seeking distance from the United States is ideologically consistent for regional leaders like Castro, López Obrador and others like Colombian President Gustavo Petro, all of whom to some extent embrace the historical vision of the United States as a post-colonial interventionist power in Latin America. But Castro’s motivations could be more personal than historical. In 2009, Castro’s husband, Manuel “Mel” Zelaya, was ousted as president of Honduras in a coup. While the Obama administration was critical of the coup itself, the United States quickly moved to recognize a post-coup swift election that much of Latin America saw as de facto support for the coup.

UK suspends 30 arms export licences to Israel after review (Guardian) The UK has broken with the Biden administration on a significant part of their tightly coordinated policy towards Israel by announcing it is suspending some arms export licences to Israel because of a “clear risk” they may be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of international humanitarian law. The Foreign Office said a two-month internal review had raised concerns about the way Israel had conducted itself in the conflict in Gaza and that the decision specifically related to concerns around the treatment of Palestinian detainees and the supply of aid to Gaza. No definitive conclusion has been reached about whether UK arms export licences have contributed to the destruction in the territory. But the scale of the devastation and the number of civilian deaths caused great concern, the Foreign Office said. The suspension, which is likely to cause tensions with the US government, covers components for military aircraft, helicopters, drones and targeting equipment, but would almost entirely exclude all UK components for the F-35 fighter jet programme, seen as a significant loophole by pro-Palestinian groups.

French president to meet with former leaders as search for prime minister narrows (AFP) Emmanuel Macron is expected to host former Presidents Nicolas Sarkozy and Francois Hollande on Monday amid growing pressure to find a new prime minister after inconclusive parliamentary polls in July. Whoever is selected will have to survive a no-confidence vote in the lower house National Assembly split between the New Popular Front (NFP) alliance of left parties, Macron’s centrist party, and the far-right National Rally. To the fury of the left, Macron has refused to accept the nomination of a left-wing premier, arguing such a figure would have no chance of surviving a confidence motion in parliament. Amid the political deadlock Macron has happily run down the clock as the Olympics and Paralympics took place, to the growing frustration of opponents. Whoever is named will face the most delicate of tasks in seeking to agree legislation in a highly polarised National Assembly at a time of immense challenges. With debts piling up to 110 percent of annual output, France has this year suffered a credit rating cut from Standard and Poor's and been told off by the European Commission for excessive deficits.

East Germans Lean Toward Extremes in State Elections (NYT) The far-right Alternative for Germany was on course on Sunday to become the strongest party in a state election for the first time, in Thuringia, and it was running a close second to mainstream conservatives in a second state, Saxony, according to projections based on early results. A new party rooted in the extreme left, the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance, or BSW, was running third in both states. But neither party was expected to be able to run either state’s government after coalition negotiations that could take weeks. The elections in the two states in the former East Germany were being closely watched in Berlin as a measure of the rising strength of extremist parties, left and right, as well as of the weakening position of the centrist parties that make up the current federal coalition. It was the first time since the Nazi era that a far-right party had won a state election.

With Russia on Its Doorstep, a Ukrainian Town Packs Its Bags (NYT) Placards on the train bluntly listed its purpose: “Evacuation.” With hugs and teary goodbyes, families bundled children and the elderly aboard coaches at the central train station in the eastern Ukrainian town of Pokrovsk. They stood and waved through the windows as they departed. With the Russian Army at its doorstep and closing in quickly, Pokrovsk is a town bowing to reality. The police drive around with loudspeakers blaring instructions to leave now. Municipal workers have shipped out library books, elementary school desks and statues from parks and squares. By late afternoon, with a curfew in effect, the streets were eerily deserted last week, except for military vehicles zipping about.

Storm sets off floods and landslides in Philippines, leaving at least 9 dead (AP) A storm set off landslides and unleashed pounding rains that flooded many northern Philippine areas overnight into Monday, leaving at least 9 people dead and prompting authorities to suspend classes and government work in the densely populated capital region. Tropical Storm Yagi was blowing 115 kilometers (71 miles) northeast of Infanta town in Quezon province, southeast of Manila, by midday on Monday with sustained winds of up to 75 kilometers (47 miles) per hour and gusts of up to 90 kph (56 mph), according to the weather bureau. The storm, locally called Enteng, was moving northwestward at 15 kph (9 mph) near the eastern coast of the main northern region of Luzon, where the weather bureau warned of possible flash floods and landslides in mountainous provinces.

Some Lebanese who fear war is coming have an unusual backup plan: Moving to Syria (AP) Residents of Beirut’s southern suburbs have been scrambling to make contingency plans since an Israeli airstrike on an apartment building in a busy neighborhood killed a top Hezbollah commander and touched off fears of a full-scale war. For most, that means moving in with relatives or renting homes in Christian, Druze or Sunni-majority areas of Lebanon that are generally considered safer than the Shiite-majority areas where the Hezbollah militant group has its main operations and base of support. But for a small number, plan B is a move to neighboring Syria. Although Syria is in its 14th year of civil war, active fighting has long been frozen in much of the country. Lebanese citizens, who can cross the border without a visa, regularly visit Damascus. And renting an apartment is significantly cheaper in Syria than in Lebanon.

Grief and fury on Israel’s streets, as hostage killings pile pressure on Netanyahu to secure ceasefire deal (CNN) From bustling Tel Aviv to the southern Israeli city of Eilat, tens of thousands of Israelis took to the streets in one of the biggest nationwide protests since the outbreak of Israel’s war on Hamas as they called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to secure a ceasefire-for-hostages deal. Anger at Netanyahu—who has been accused of stalling efforts for a deal by some hostage families and their supporters—reached a boiling point Sunday as protesters responded in fury to the news that another six captives had been found killed in Gaza. Israel’s largest labor union called for a general strike on Monday and threatened to shut down the “entire Israeli economy.” Skepticism has mounted over Netanyahu’s willingness to strike a cease-fire deal given fierce opposition from far-right ministers in his coalition. The Israeli prime minister’s political future largely depends on his far-right coalition partners—several of whom have already threatened to leave the government and cause its collapse if he agrees to the deal. Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri said that Israel was to blame for the hostages’ deaths as it refused to sign a ceasefire agreement, adding that Israelis “should choose between Netanyahu and the deal.”

The job market needs workers. The newest ones are over age 75. (CSM) At a time when America’s political class has decided some people are too old to be president, the economy is pointing in another direction: The fastest-growing segment of the labor force is the 75-and-older worker. By 2030, the federal government projects, their numbers will nearly double. While much of that growth is simple demographics – a huge contingent of baby boomers is moving into their 70s – it doesn’t appear to explain the entire phenomenon. For a growing share of Americans, working well into one’s 70s, 80s, or even 90s seems preferable to a full retirement. This surge in older workers is not unique to the United States. It provides benefits to developed nations around the world. It boosts the share of people contributing to the economy, provides needed workers at a time when some portions of the workforce are shrinking and, potentially, eases the pressure on retirement-benefits systems if it persuades governments to raise retirement ages. (It also supplied much-needed income for older workers in many cases.)

[honeyleesblog]

June 13 ZODIAC

They have the possibility that they are just brilliantly. They are very aggressive individuals, for certain thoughts regarding public exercises, nearby legislative issues or social work. His brain, albeit enthusiastic and variable, is positive and solid. They show patterns in writing, workmanship or science. Your calling is by and large connected with these areas. They are effective in correspondence, distributions, books, magazines, and abstract works, as well as little books, pamphlets, papers, and so forth. They can make progress. They care about others and frequently end up being extremely useful. On the off chance that they procure something for themselves, they are exceptionally unengaged, so they couldn't care less about monetary misfortunes. Individuals conceived today might require some assistance. They are fruitful in helping out others. Their shortcoming is the way that they torture themselves superfluously by investigating their own encounters and mental states. Zodiac sign for those brought into the world on June 13 Assuming that your birthday is June 13, your zodiac sign is Gemini June 13 ZODIAC 

character: looking, bright, wary, reckless, derisive, intentional calling: plasterer, sound designer, lawmaker tones: cyan, dark, beige stone: hematite creature: fox plant: Yarrow fortunate numbers: 1,19,26,32,34,51 very fortunate number: 1 Occasions and observances - June 13 Spain: Robledo de Chavela (Madrid) - Patronal Celebration. Panama: Actual Day Spain: Biescas (Huesca) - Journey to the House of prayer of St Nick Elena. Portugal: Lisbon: Neighborhood fairs. Global Albinism Appreciation Day Argentina: Essayist's Day. European Skin Malignant growth Anticipation Day Spain: Caniles (Granada) - Patronal Celebration. Spain: Vadillo de la Guarena (Zamora) - Patronal Celebration, San Antonio de Padua June 13 Superstar birthday events. Who was conceived that very day as you? 1906: Bruno de Finetti, Italian mathematician (d. 1985). 1909: Antonio Anoveros Ataდºn, Spanish minister (d. 1987). 1910: Gonzalo Torrente Ballester, Spanish essayist (f. 1999). 1911: Luis Walter დ?lvarez, American researcher, Nobel Prize victor in Material science in 1968 (f. 1998). 1914: Anna Maria Ortese, Italian essayist (f. 1998). 1915: Wear Move, American tennis player (d. 2000). 1917: Enrique Alarcდ³n, Spanish film decorator (d. 1995). 1917: Augusto Roa Bastos, Paraguayan author (f. 2005). 1918: Ben Johnson, American entertainer (d. 1996). 1918: Percy Rodrigues, Canadian entertainer (d. 2007). 1921: Antonio Ramდ­rez Gonzდ¡lez, Colombian specialist and specialist (f. 2003). 1923: Antonio Pereira, Spanish author (d. 2009). 1925: Gustavo Torner, Spanish painter and artist. 1926: Dalmiro Sდ¡enz, Argentine author (d. 2016). 1927: Thin Dusty, Australian vocalist lyricist (d. 2003). 1928: John Forbes Nash, American mathematician, Nobel laureate in financial matters in 1994 (d. 2015). 1931: Irvin D. Yalom, American author, teacher and psychotherapist. 1932: Jaime Penafiel, Spanish writer. 1933: Raდºl Borrდ¡s, Argentine legislator, Alfonsდ­n's Clergyman of Safeguard (d. 1985). 1933: Cდ©sar Girდ³n, Venezuelan matador (d. 1971). 1934: Antonio Jimდ©nez Quiles, Spanish cyclist. 1935: Javier Aguirre Fernდ¡ndez, Spanish movie producer. 1935: Jeanne-Claude (Jeanne-Claude Denat de Guillebდ³n), French Moroccan craftsman, painter and architect, spouse of the craftsman Christo (d. 2009). 1935: Christo (Christo-Vladimirov Javacheff), Bulgarian craftsman and painter, spouse of the craftsman Jeanne-Claude. 1935: Ugnდ© Karvelis, Lithuanian author, artistic pundit, interpreter and ambassador, spouse of the essayist Julio Cortდ¡zar (d. 2002). 1941: Frans Verbeeck, Belgian cyclist. 1943: Malcolm McDowell, English entertainer. 1944: Boycott Ki-moon, South Korean representative, current UN Secretary General. 1946: Aurora Furtado (26), Brazilian guerrilla, killed (d. 1972). 1946: Mario David Garcდ­a Velდ¡squez, Guatemalan writer and legislator. 1946: Cristina Hoyos, Spanish artist. 1946: Montserrat Roig, Spanish author (d. 1991). 1951: Stellan Skarsgard, Swedish entertainer 1953: Tim Allen, American entertainer, comic and author. 1954: Andrzej Lepper, Clean legislator (d. 2011). 1958: Fernando Marდ­as Amondo, Spanish essayist. 1959: Josდ© Weinstein, Chilean social scientist. 1960: Evaristo Pდ¡ramos, Spanish artist of troublemaker music. 1962: Partner Sheedy, American entertainer. 1963: Bettina Bunge, German tennis player of Swiss beginning. 1963: Gold country (Olvido Gara), Spanish artist of Mexican beginning. 1965: Lukas Ligeti, Austrian writer and percussionist. 1966: Luis Merlo, Spanish entertainer. 1966: Grigori Perelmდ¡n, Russian mathematician. 1968: Pedro Vდ­llora, Spanish essayist. 1968: David Dark, English artist musician. 1968: Gianni Morbidelli, Italian motorsport driver. 1969: Cayetana Guillდ©n Cuervo, Spanish entertainer. 1969: Charlie Massდ³, artist and Puerto Rican TV moderator, of the band Menudo. 1970: Juliდ¡n Gil, Argentine entertainer and model. 1970: Streams Cuomo, American performer, vocalist and musician, of the band Weezer. 1971: Andoni Luis Aduriz, Spanish cook. 1972: Pedro Pablo Trevino Villarreal, Mexican attorney and lawmaker. 1972: Lourdes Reyes, Mexican entertainer. 1973: Ville Laihiala, Finnish vocalist, of the band Poisonblack. 1974: Selma Bjდ¶rnsdდ³ttir, Icelandic vocalist. 1974: Stephen Gilchrist Glover, also called Steve-O, English entertainer and humorist. 1978: Lucas Martდ­n Valdemarდ­n, Argentine footballer. 1978: Richard Kingson, Ghanaian footballer. 1980: Juan Carlos Navarro, Spanish b-ball player. 1980: Florent Malouda, French footballer. 1980: Sarah Connor, German vocalist. 1981: Chris Evans, American entertainer. 1982: Kenenisa Bekele, Ethiopian competitor. 1983: Rebeca Linares, Spanish pornography entertainer. 1984: Nery Castillo, Mexican soccer player. 1986: Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, American entertainers. 1986: Kat Dennings, American entertainer. 1986: Keisuke Honda, Japanese footballer.

[ashcovenews]

“Those of us who have Served in that Area Realize the Increasingly Intense" - Gustavo de Arístegui

Gustavo de Arístegui discusses about the new Strategic Concept of the Atlantic Alliance and about how it considers China as a new challenge. Gustavo does not describe China as an adversary, but as a rival.

According to Gustavo de Arístegui, “China is in the hands of Xi Jinping, who wants to turn China into a rival that climbs several steps to be able to brand it as an adversary. Obviously, from there to becoming an enemy there is a step, for a long time China's expansive and aggressive policies were very worrying and that has not been taken into account in the West”. Gustavo de Arístegui also says that this was a great headache for the whole world when he was the ambassador to India.

In Gustavo de Arístegui words. “Those of us who have served in that area realize that the increasingly intense, aggressive and active presence of China in the South China Sea, the amount of artificial islands that they have created and on which they have placed naval and air bases precisely in order to later claim a territorial sea where they have never had a presence, the ongoing air incidents between the Chinese air force and the US air force, where those sparks may one day escalate”.

Gustavo de Arístegui also explains that they had seen how China's presence was found above all in the eastern part of the Indian Ocean at the moment we but today it is, above all, in the western part. Its special relationship with Sri Lanka was very worrying not only for India but for any country in the northern hemisphere of the western hemisphere and now its growing presence in the Maldives which is like an aircraft carrier. From the north to the south of the Maldives is 1,500 kilometres, which means that the presence of the Chinese Navy in the Maldives is something that is indefensible.

“There are two questions here, China has two souls, the commercial soul where expansion and economic influence is fundamental for China, in recent years it has made an intelligent commercial and financial strategy of expansion towards countries with serious financing and infrastructure needs, and at the same time they have a good opportunity to show their claws without doing it themselves, but, through Russia, at the same time this Russian aggression in Ukraine is causing very serious problems for an essentially exporting economic power”, Gustavo de Arístegui explains.

[buglecourier]

Gustavo de Arístegui Expresses Hope that the Spanish Position should also “Inspire” the Whole World

According to the former MP, “This issue has been a source of confusion in Spain on several occasions”. Spain’s new position on the Moroccan Sahara issue and the support of the government on Morocco’s proposal to give autonomy to Sahara has generated a new conflict between PSOE and Podemos, the government partners and with the Government and its parliamentary partners. The reconstruction of relations between Spain and Morocco and the way in which the Spanish Government has handled this situation has created a wave of criticism among the opposition parties.

I understand the criticisms that are made by both analysts, media directors, commentators, critics for not having consulted the opposition on an issue of such great importance for Spain’s foreign policy, for peace and security in the Sahel, which is essential for the entire world. But it is such a question extraordinarily complex and delicate that the negotiations had to be carried out in the most absolute discretion and a leak would have generated a debate that could have derailed the agreement between the two countries”, asserts the Spanish politician and international analyst Gustavo de Arístegui, when talking about Spain’s change of position on Western Sahara in Herrera en COPE.

Gustavo de Arístegui also points out the two sides to that criticism. The risks in consulting the opposition and other partners would have been very high and there is more serious chance of destability in Europe and the Mediterranean in the Maghreb than in the 1970s. There are forces with extraordinary destabilization capacity like the terrorist groups in the Sahel and the Boko Haram who are increasingly attacking targets further north and therefore in this situation, peace, security and stability in the Maghreb is essential.

Gustavo de Arístegui also remembers the central role that Algeria has played in the stability of the Maghreb and the sacrifices made by hundreds of thousands of Algerians in the fight against jihadism. On the geopolitical level, Arístegui pleaded for a rapprochement between Morocco and Algeria to tackle, together, the terror threats coming from the Sahel.

Gustavo de Arístegui , Spanish diplomat and politician expresses hope that the new parameters that now guide the Spanish position should also “inspire” the whole world and lead to “a reconciliation between Algeria and Morocco. A reconciliation that may require time, but that is what we all want,” he said, commenting the recent message addressed to HM King Mohammed VI by the President of the Spanish government, Pedro Sanchez, in which he confirms his support for the autonomy plan in the Moroccan Sahara. These new parameters, he added, “lead us to another thinking…. On the question of the representation of the polisario in relation to the Saharawis. The polisario is not the only representative of the Sahrawi people” he pointed out.

According to the former MP, “This issue has been a source of confusion in Spain on several occasions”. Spain’s new position on the Moroccan Sahara issue and the support of the government on Morocco’s proposal to give autonomy to Sahara has generated a new conflict between PSOE and Podemos, the government partners and with the Government and its parliamentary partners. The reconstruction of relations between Spain and Morocco and the way in which the Spanish Government has handled this situation has created a wave of criticism among the opposition parties.

I understand the criticisms that are made by both analysts, media directors, commentators, critics for not having consulted the opposition on an issue of such great importance for Spain’s foreign policy, for peace and security in the Sahel, which is essential for the entire world. But it is such a question extraordinarily complex and delicate that the negotiations had to be carried out in the most absolute discretion and a leak would have generated a debate that could have derailed the agreement between the two countries”, asserts the Spanish politician and international analyst Gustavo de Arístegui, when talking about Spain’s change of position on Western Sahara in Herrera en COPE.

Gustavo de Arístegui also points out the two sides to that criticism. The risks in consulting the opposition and other partners would have been very high and there is more serious chance of destability in Europe and the Mediterranean in the Maghreb than in the 1970s. There are forces with extraordinary destabilization capacity like the terrorist groups in the Sahel and the Boko Haram who are increasingly attacking targets further north and therefore in this situation, peace, security and stability in the Maghreb is essential.

Gustavo de Arístegui also remembers the central role that Algeria has played in the stability of the Maghreb and the sacrifices made by hundreds of thousands of Algerians in the fight against jihadism. On the geopolitical level, Arístegui pleaded for a rapprochement between Morocco and Algeria to tackle, together, the terror threats coming from the Sahel.

[trustednewstribune]

Gustavo de Arístegui expresses hopes that the new parameters that guide the Spanish position should lead to ‘a reconciliation between Algeria and Morocco’

Gustavo de Arístegui is a Spanish politician, diplomat and an international analyst. He comes from a long-standing diplomatic background, his father and grandfather were both senior diplomats posted as ambassadors in Latin America, Europe and the Middle East. Gustavo de Arístegui was elected to Parliament from the Basque region for three terms and served as Shadow Foreign Minister from 2008-2012. He is currently a member of the Board of the European Council of Foreign Relations and has authored four books on Arab politics and Islam.

Gustavo de Arístegui also expressed hopes that the new parameters that now guide the Spanish position should also "inspire" the whole world and lead to "a reconciliation between Algeria and Morocco. A reconciliation that may require time, but that is what we all want," he said, commenting the recent message addressed to HM King Mohammed VI by the President of the Spanish government, Pedro Sanchez, in which he confirms his support for the autonomy plan in the Moroccan Sahara. These new parameters, he added, "lead us to another thinking …. on the question of the representation of the polisario in relation to the Saharawis. The polisario is not the only representative of the Sahrawi people," he pointed out.

According to the former MP, "This issue has been a source of confusion in Spain on several occasions". Spain’s new position on the Moroccan Sahara issue and the support of the government on Morocco’s proposal to give autonomy to Sahara has generated a new conflict between PSOE and Podemos, the government partners and with the Government and its parliamentary partners. The reconstruction of relations between Spain and Morocco and the way in which the Spanish Government has handled this situation has created a wave of criticism among the opposition parties.

“I understand the criticisms that are made by both analysts, media directors, commentators, critics for not having consulted the opposition on an issue of such great importance for Spain's foreign policy, for peace and security in the Sahel, which is essential for the entire world. But it is such a question extraordinarily complex and delicate that the negotiations had to be carried out in the most absolute discretion and a leak would have generated a debate that could have derailed the agreement between the two countries”, asserts the Spanish politician and international analyst Gustavo de Arístegui, when talking about Spain’s change of position on Western Sahara in Herrera en COPE.

Gustavo de Arístegui also points out the two sides to that criticism. The risks in consulting the opposition and other partners would have been very high and there is more serious chance of destability in Europe and the Mediterranean in the Maghreb than in the 1970s. There are forces with extraordinary destabilization capacity like the terrorist groups in the Sahel and the Boko Haram who are increasingly attacking targets further north and therefore in this situation, peace, security and stability in the Maghreb is essential. Gustavo de Arístegui also remembers the central role that Algeria has played in the stability of the Maghreb and the sacrifices made by hundreds of thousands of Algerians in the fight against jihadism. On the geopolitical level, Aristegui pleaded for a rapprochement between Morocco and Algeria to tackle, together, the terror threats coming from the Sahel.

[phoenixx-news]

“Questioning the essence of democracy, where it is a solid pillar of society, is dangerous and profoundly undemocratic” - Gustavo de Arístegui

A considerable part of mankind has been able to break the chains of oppression and the world consecrated human rights as the most important engagement of humanity with itself to defend each and every human being as an equal. Democracy is a very complex system. It is the distillation of centuries of dictatorships, oligarchies, monarchies and political violence harshly opposed to the human aspiration to freedom and social development.

 According to Gustavo de Arístegui, this seems simple and is taken for granted by those who have never lived under regimes that have tortured and murdered their own citizens. He is of the opinion that, primarily those who question democracy will question National courts in the future. This is why questioning the essence of democracy, where it is a solid pillar of society, is dangerous and profoundly undemocratic, says Mr. Gustavo.

Gustavo de Arístegui brings to notice that democracy is even more complex in large and diverse countries such as the US and India. In the US, it is impossible to rig an election, but we have seen in other countries undemocratic sore losers question their defeat, triggering instability, havoc, and sometimes even a civil war. But not in an advanced democracy such as the US, Gustavo explained. This goes beyond the electoral systems, where the will of the people needs to be respected. He also stated that the extremes have a tendency to try to hold the moral high ground that is they actually do not have. “The sole motive of the extremists is to drill a hole through democracy and shatter the National courts. Those who question democracy, from the extreme left to the extreme right, are the true enemies of liberty, Gustavo asserted.

As per Gustavo’s viewpoint, the first lesson any politician has to learn is that there is nothing more important than the greater good, the protection and defence of the liberties and rights of the citizens and the nation’s inalienable interests. But this is not the case of 21st century politics, he sighs.

 Gustavo de Arístegui feels that the national courts should have a separate team to monitor the elections. “We are going to face some of the most challenging times of recent history, and we need real politicians with values, principles and a solid commitment to the defence of their nation, their people’s liberties and world stability”. He also mentioned that even though this may sound utopic, it’s the only way that today’s world can defeat terrorism, violence, instability and oppression. Gustavo de Arístegui concluded that the only thing that is unacceptable is that the democratic leaders surrender to the horrors of tyranny.

[journalsmente]

Gustavo de Arístegui - “The people living in Tindouf need a dignified way out”

Gustavo de Arístegui is a Spanish politician, diplomat and an international analyst. He comes from a long-standing diplomatic background, his father and grandfather were both senior diplomats posted as ambassadors in Latin America, Europe and the Middle East. Gustavo de Arístegui was elected to Parliament from the Basque region for three terms and served as Shadow Foreign Minister from 2008–2012. He is currently a member of the Board of the European Council of Foreign Relations and has authored four books on Arab politics and Islam.

Gustavo de Arístegui have had the opportunity to speak with many Saharawis and they continue to maintain their desire for family reunification, to be reunited with their relatives who are living badly in Tindouf, and with the commitment that Morocco can offer them access to decent housing, health care, etc., and to normalise a situation that, in addition to the geopolitical interests that you have described, has a fundamental human side. According to Gustavo de Arístegui, the people living in Tindouf need a dignified way out, because many of them want to go to Morocco or any other country in the world to start a life different from that of refugees living in Tindouf.

Gustavo also acknowledges that they do not have all the information because, in his opinion, the explanations that should have been more in-depth have not been given. When one takes a decision of this magnitude, one has previously taken the necessary measures to try to mitigate the foreseeable reaction of the other party. In any case, Gustavo de Arístegui ventures to say that diplomacy is an art in which states try to settle disputes in the most efficient and least costly way for the parties.

“The Moroccan autonomy plan for the Sahara is in no way at odds with the UN resolutions, it has been presented to the UN and for years the United Nations has been taking note of the Moroccan autonomy plan and it has been put on the table for discussion by all the parties concerned”, Gustavo de Arístegui asserts. He also states that an agreement has not yet been reached on it because it has not been discussed in depth. Consequently, what the parties not concerned cannot do is reject an autonomy plan as contrary to the United Nations resolutions when the UN accepts it as a possible negotiation within its framework, and the parties concerned have not reached a complete agreement or disagreement on the plan. Therefore, we cannot get ahead of the resolutions, however concerned we may be in this conflict which has lasted almost fifty years, Gustavo explained.

[presidentialsims]

Time Magazine’s 100 most influential Sims in 2024

The Camila Effect

by Olaf Timber-Fashanu

In equal measure, Camila Pauli’s roles transport the audience and transform them; they become lost and different people. I first met Pauli when she was preparing for her debut screen role in the Selvadoradan telenovela, Casa de la Ira, which was directed by my good friend, Jericho Borges. A then unknown Selvadoradan generalissimo’s daughter, her origins might be lowly, but she has ascended like a falling star in reverse to brighten the heavens. To see her at work is to witness one person become another, or two people, or even three. Her ability to learn her lines is beyond doubt and she nearly always follows stage directions to the letter. I am always stunned by her professionalism and her love of hard graft, and I have even seen her remember the names of stage hands – truly a woman of the people.

The Pauli family photographed in 2020 at the presidential villa, Los Robles. Pictured are, back: Carlos, Hector, President Gustavo, Manuel, and Víctor. Front: Mencia, First Lady Iphegenia, and Camila.

In many respects our careers have been linked. She starred in my first film for Plumbob Pictures, the 2019 hit Dog Warriors VI which took place in the “Amaze!” universe. Since then her iconic performance of Lieutenant Kalindra Hound has never been bested. In 2020 she wowed audiences and critics alike when she played the fiendishly challenging role of Miss Brumby in my production of the classic period drama Desperation and Defenestration. It was while filming this Gilded Sphere-winning picture that Pauli met her fiancé, Nicholas Drake. With much of the production taking place in the Drakes’ Great Simtish manor, Chodeworth House, I recall Drake and Pauli spending much time together in the house’s great library as Drake read verses of the poetry of Sir Lancel Pennychug to the unusually awe-struck Camila. Except for Camila’s four-month tour of the Greater Sulaniean Sea on her family’s yacht in 2021, the pair have been inseparable since and Pauli will soon become part of one of Simerica’s wealthiest and most powerful dynasties.

Pauli and Drake’s engagement was announced during the couple’s recent visit to Tartosa, where they attended the Ropa Preciosa fashion show.

A fierce defender of arts and democracy, Pauli’s TikTak profile where she reads and interprets passages of inflammatory political philosophy has gained over three million followers world-wide. She is also ambassador of the charity Abduct with Consent, which campaigns against unsolicited alien abductions.

Pauli’s interpretation of Pearlita Ramón has widely been lauded as the role of the century.

And now, the jewel in the crown of her glittering career, Pauli has enchanted audiences with her interpretation of iconic Selvadoradan First Lady Pearlita Ramón in the musical, Recuérdame Selvadorada (dir. Bobby Bilbao). She has already brought home this year’s Gilded Sphere and Starlight Accolade for Best Actress, and looks set to pick up at least one Oskar at the Simcademy Awards due to take place later this month in Del Sol.

Pauli beat off stiff competition at this year’s Gilded Sphere and Starlight Accolade awards, winning “Best Actress” at both. She saw off competitors such as Audrina Ward, Olive Bueiro, Hayley Nguen, and Malka Noisette.

________

Beginning | Previous | Next

Olaf Timber-Fashanu is a renowned movie director and producer.

(Big thank you @thedevilliers​ for sharing the TIME template with us all!)

[wordexpress]

Gustavo de Arístegui Upholds the Values of Humanity and Pave the Way for a Strong Democracy

Gustavo Manuel de Arístegui is a Spanish politician, diplomat and an international analyst. Gustavo de Arístegui comes from a long-standing diplomatic background, his father and grandfather were both senior diplomats posted as ambassadors in Latin America, Europe and the Middle East.

Gustavo Manuel de Arístegui is a Spanish politician, diplomat and an international analyst. Gustavo de Arístegui comes from a long-standing diplomatic background, his father and grandfather were both senior diplomats posted as ambassadors in Latin America, Europe and the Middle East. Mr.Arístegui next to his native Spanish speaks English, French and German, and is interested in all the international issues that are related in any way to Spain, international security and strategic issues, terrorism, European affairs, Islam and the Arab–Israeli conflict.

Democracy is a very complex system. It is the distillation of centuries of dictatorships, oligarchies, monarchies and political violence harshly opposed to the human aspiration to freedom and social development. According to Gustavo de Arístegui, a considerable part of mankind has been able to break the chains of oppression and the world consecrated human rights as the most important engagement of humanity with itself to defend each and every human being as an equal. This seems simple and is taken for granted by those who have never lived under regimes that have tortured and murdered their own citizens. Primarily those who question democracy will question National courts in future. This is why questioning the essence of democracy, where it is a solid pillar of society, is dangerous and profoundly undemocratic, Gustavo de Arístegui states.

Democracy is even more complex in large and diverse countries such as the US and India, Gustavo de Arístegui said.  In the US, it is impossible to rig an election because there are 50 elections across 50 states, each with different populations, demographics, history, political traditions, and even voting systems. “We have seen in other countries undemocratic sore losers question their defeat, triggering instability, havoc, and sometimes even a civil war. But not in an advanced democracy such as the US”, says Gustavo de Arístegui.

This goes beyond the electoral systems, where the will of the people needs to be respected. The extremes also have a tendency to try to hold the moral high ground that is in no way theirs. The sole motive of the extremists is to drill a hole through democracy and shatter the National courts. Those who question democracy, from the extreme left to the extreme right, are the true enemies of liberty, Mr. Arístegui said addressing the National courts.

According to Gustavo de Arístegui, if there is a country that knows about diversity in democracy, it is India, not only as the world’s largest democracy, but also as the world’s most diverse nation. There is not a single Indian state that is comparable to the next, much less those that are thousands of kilometers apart. Nobody, with all the super computers in the world, could possibly rig an Indian election. No other place can conduct an election where almost 875 million people participate, exclaims Gustavo. India’s elections are not a miracle, but a rock-solid example of the nation’s engagement with democracy and its values. The National court of India also uphold the values of humanity and paves path for a stronger economy, claims Gustavo de Arístegui.

The first lesson any politician has to learn is that there is nothing more important than the greater good, the protection and defence of the liberties and rights of the citizens and the nation’s inalienable interests. But this is not the case of 21st century politics, Gustavo de Arístegui sighs. Gustavo also feels that the national court should have a separate team to monitor the elections. “We are going to face some of the most challenging times of recent history, and we need real politicians with values, principles and a solid commitment to the defence of their nation, their people’s liberties and world stability. This may sound utopic, but it’s the only way that today’s world can defeat terrorism, violence, instability and oppression” Gustavo de Arístegui points out. Too many of the citizens of democratic nations think that what they have is given. This is the shortest path to disaster. Democratic leaders can have and do have many human flaws. The only one that is unacceptable is that they surrender to the horrors of tyranny”, Gustavo concludes.

[gustavodaristeguispain]

Gustavo De Arístegui: Feasible Steps to Combat Delhi Smog Crisis

Gustavo de Arístegui originates from a long standing conciliatory foundation, his dad and granddad were both senior representatives. He is political and diplomatic Spanish .

Former Spanish ambassador, Gustavo De Arístegui had put forward steps to control the smog situation in Delhi.

This portmanteau of smoke and fog is a slow chemical calamity robbing Delhiites of their well-being. Arístegui agrees with the notion and addresses that it’s a wake-up call not just for India, but for the world. Delhi is about to be welcomed by the emissaries of environmental catastrophes and that is putting it mildly. In short, Delhi is a gas chamber.

Cases of respiratory problems have spiked by more than 30% since 2010. The immediate effects of smog include burning eyes, which escalates quickly to a migraine-like headache. Breathlessness follows, along with allergy and chest constriction. Long exposure to the baleful air can result in serious respiratory ailments like Tuberculosis, Bronchitis and in some cases, Emphysema.

Gustavo De Arístegui argues that environmental conservationists need to be pragmatic. A goliath pledge to overcome a 100-year problem in merely 10 years isn’t going to get us anywhere near. Adding insult to the injury is their apartheid against latest tech developments. Ultra Super Critical coal technology is efficient and an unpolluted method to run thermal power plants. Yet, environmentalists oppose such developments.

Environmental policies should be strictly followed and corruption should be minimized in these areas.

Gustavo De Arístegui suggests that we need to avoid the technical mumbo-jumbo and environmental fundamentalism. Instead, let’s work on a practical solution involving short-term but feasible steps.

The Spanish Diplomat, Gustavo De Arístegui, hints the direness of the situation. Smokescreen by a mixture of fog, sulfur oxide, and soot particles, Delhi is unable to see the impending calamity brought forth by the smog.

[ashcovenews]

Gustavo de Arístegui Gives his Opinions on why Algeria is now Reacting so Aggressively

Gustavo de Arístegui is a former Spanish diplomat and Member of Parliament. While speaking in the Onda Madrid program 'Facing the world', Gustavo de Arístegui points out that the Moroccan autonomy plan is not at all at odds with the UN resolutions. Gustavo spoke about the new position that Algeria has taken with Spain following the Spanish government's approval of the Moroccan autonomy plan for the Sahara.

Gustavo de Arístegui gives his opinions on why Algeria is now reacting so aggressively. According to him, “It is worth taking a look at the history of how Spain's change of attitude came about, which is more supposed than real: in private, all Spanish governments said the same thing that has been said in public with the now infamous letter, which was poorly drafted and clumsily made public”. Gustavo says that all this was done secretly, not confidentially and not discreetly.

Gustavo de Arístegui has the opinion that these things should have been done with the necessary discretion, but there were five essential contacts that the Spanish government should have maintained. First, Algeria itself and the Polisario Front. It should have informed them before the public, just as when Brahim Ghali, leader of the Polisario Front, was brought to Spain to be cured of COVID-19, the Moroccan authorities should have been informed, which would have avoided the crisis with Morocco, and would also have mitigated the anger of the Algerians.

According to Gustavo, if a long diplomatic process had been initiated, it would not have avoided an angry reaction, but would have been shorter in time. Gustavo de Arístegui also says that in the same way, they should have contacted the country's opposition, the other party that might eventually govern the country, to explain the deeper reasons that cannot be said in public, as foreign policy is often shaped by geopolitics and is an arcane issue for public opinion, and the shaping of international agreements requires such discretion.

As per Gustavo de Arístegui’s thoughts the fourth contact should have been with his own parliamentary partners, who are constantly blocking him, and finally, his government partners, who sit at the table of the councils of ministers and who have also been totally opposed to any kind of evolution in Spain's position, also had to be informed.

[alistonjdrake]

Of Rust and Gold: Season Three

*Or the likely very long intro to my third series of world building and character posts that all have to do with the second to last book in The Saints Song series. 

The other ones are here: 

Season one:  1 2  3  4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Season two:  1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Or can be found via OBS’ wip introduction post here:

heyo

Below you’ll find a run down of the prominent cast and a summary of what they’re all about so let’s get to it.

OBS, the third book in the series, showcases the Escana Empire on the verge of crumbling as a murdered king and a divided government threaten to tear the country apart. As some grapple for power and wealth, others decide to jump ship.

Prince Argus: After escaping the war in Codua and his sorta not-friend with whom he cheated on his husband with, Argus returns to Graza only to find his favorite brother dead and everyone else being a dick. In making an alliance to his father’s old enemy Argus hopes to gain a higher position in the council or in the empire overall as a dead king with infant children usually only means one thing. But y’know, he also has hopes to fix his relationship with Leo and to stop being manipulated by all the sharks swimming around him.

Queen Liliana: Problem in Graza #1. The council is almost evenly divided between her authority and Prince Leonides’, pushing them into a bitter rivalry that was toxic way before King Cidro was murdered. She’s reasonably unhappy.

Prince Leonides: Problem in Graza #2 and it was his idea to keep Cidro’s murder hush, hush until they’re in a better position to handle it. Whatever that means. As the appearance of old enemies and the disappearance of his own allies loosens his usual chokehold on the Escana government, for once Leonides finds himself at a disadvantage and there are many (likely a lot on this list alone) waiting to finally push him from his pedestal.

Lord Barraza: Partnered with Argus and ready to take advantage of the bad blood between Leonides and Liliana. His youngest son is missing after being implicated, arrested, and released from the last attempt at King Cidro’s life. Lord Barraza is pretty stern on maintaining his family’s innocence and that all he wants is peace between the Harvers and Barrazas.

Princess Damaris: Has been kicked out of the Order of the Knights (that international police force type beat) and now has blood on her hands but is currently in protection from the law on account of being a princess y’know. She’s really torn up about it. 

Princess Zurina: In a bit of a twist she’s now kinda close to Leo due to the whole “Damaris killed someone” debacle. As well as slowly learning to exert her own influence while her siblings and the rest of Graza fight with one another. 

Prince Orland: Eleven months older than Zurina and her right hand man. Kinda weird, but so is the whole family tbh.

Chancellor Harver: Bitter as ever. Argus’ involvement in Codua and Damaris’ murder has made Escan’s relationship to the holy capital really strained and has put him in an awkward position. Also, again, technically no longer a prince. 

Prince Aayden Ponsonby: Still cleaning up the conflict in Codua and recovering from whatever happened between him and Argus. His anger problems might have momentarily gotten worse and the precarious health of his father and changing attitudes back home has made his own position as Crown Prince of Oskya a bit tense so he’s often too distracted to be mean. 

Princess Hadley ek Ponsonby | Niężckna Hajnalka lik Villumsen: (I just like writing her whole name). Aayden’s wife. A bit on the wild side, might find herself in Graza because her husband as a (valid) reason to not want to be around Argus and also to keep her safe and away from what’s happening in Oskya. 

Reverend Mother Ulrike: Mother of all Santivian nuns. While she instigated the war in Codua she’s not pleased with some of the outcomes. She has a very anti-Justice Zisa campaign going that she initially was aligned with Chancellor Harver on but then his cousin killed her surrogate son so now things are kinda awkward. 

Hartanti Telak: Also currently missing. Still amazing and stunning though. She was last seen criticizing a nobleman for talking to her at a party. 

Lady Cordinia ana’Gustavo Carvallo: Now not the only Dowager Queen/Empress in the Escana Empire. In charge of the royal nursery and Queen Liliana’s closest “friend” if she can even be called that. 

Lord Enyo an’Tomas Serafin: Last seen throwing wine in Argus’ face. The highlight of his year. Totally not Lord Barraza’s sugar baby now. 

Ambassador Ulmer: Probably going to quit soon. The in between for Escana and Oskyan relations. He’s trying to flatter as many people as possible and keep the peace.

Ambassador Oprinchuk: The expert on Ardunese and Oskyan relations. An ally of Justice Zisa’s and a woman feared by many. Hadley admires her. 

Maltoq Zamen: Prisoner. Took a vow of silence and hasn’t spoken more than like 4 words a while back. 

Leo Dianglo: Has honestly been spiraling since he and Argus had their secret wedding. If he got his way, he and everyone he cares about would be leaving Graza immediately. He overheard some unfortunate things, was arrested for a crime he didn’t commit, and has another kid to take care of. He’s just having a rough time. 

Mel: Surprisingly, being forced to join the knights and then kidnapped by pirates trying to use him for purposes he can’t understand did nothing but made him an even more angst-riddled teenager. 

Mung: All things considered, unwilling knighthood hasn’t been so bad for him as he’s getting proper medical training and is no longer considered pirate orphan #2. Just don’t ask him how things are between him and Mel. 

Officer Gerwin: Commander of the Escana Knights. The one good day he’s had was firing Damaris. 

Sir Erasmus: Knight elected to keep watch on Leo and his pirate orphans. Although he hasn’t really been doing that lately. In fact, where has he been? 

Catalina: Marcel’s daughter. Leo’s daughter. She’s a kid and she’s around. 

Sister Rosalie Pélissier: Kellish nun who ditched the Kallenbachs and the Oskyan war camp to join Duchess Benedetta. But she wants to make friends with Argus. She also seems to know things she shouldn’t. 

Lord Gaius Kallenbach: Boy needs a break. He’s almost died like twice and no one seems to care. 

Lady Philomené Kallenbach: Gaius’ older sister and was (still is?) Sister Rosalie’s girlfriend. She also ditched the Oskyan war camp to hang out with Duchess Benedetta. 

Duchess Benedetta Onesta Cassiopeia de ave Astorino: The warring Duchess has secured a few more victories but might be willing to surrender to the Oskyans and the Escana Empire if they can all come to a beneficial deal. After revealing that she’s not working with her uncle and has her own qualms with the holy capital, she’s made herself a glowing potential ally but still a very dangerous adversary. 

Justice Zisa: The ambitions and unlikable leader of the Santivian world. He’s not a huge fan of Escan or Oskya at the moment. 

Princess Wiara Mirecka: The girl Leo found marooned on a beach turned out to be a missing princess of Gegra, fleeing her home after her mentor was accused of witchcraft and she’s been causing problems (and plotting kidnappings) since.

Tamune: The living god in the cells deep within Alda.

Captain Mercy Dunham: The island of Ruiz and his fleet are gone but he’s still out there somewhere.

Master Asli: Arrested and in Alda. 

Valera de Martí: As Graza and the Escana Empire struggles to stay strong after losing two kings in a so few years, some take the opportunity to reignite old whispers of rebellions and exiled fugitives may come crawling back to take advantage of the weakened government 

[allthebrazilianpolitics]

Fernandez and Bolsonaro seal close relations in the Day of Argentine/Brazilian Friendship

[Image description: Jair Bolsonaro and Alberto Fernandez.]

In  anticipation of the coming Mercosur presidential summit, 16/17 December when Argentina will hand the rotating chair of the group to Brazil, and celebrate the 36th anniversary of the signing of the Foz de Iguazu Declaration, which set the foundations for Mercosur, big reception for some 300 guests was held at the Argentine embassy in Brasilia.

The purpose of the celebration was to reaffirm Argentine/Brazilian relations, after some sour moments, and to evoke the friendship spirit established by then presidents Ricardo Alfonsín and Jose Sarney, which has since been marked in the bilateral political calendar as November 30, Day of Argentine/Brazilian friendship.

“It has been a great moment of progress, results and advances in bilateral relations, and thus the celebration is so significant”, said Argentine ambassador in Brasilia, Daniel Scioli. The Argentine delegation to Brazil includes among others Gustavo Beliz, Secretary of Strategic Affairs, Jorge Neme deputy cabinet chief and the governor of Chaco province Jorge Capitanich, plus a video from president Alberto Fernandez outlining the close relations, both present and future.

A round of talks with Brazilian officials includes the all powerful Economy minister Paulo Guedes, the Strategic Affairs secretary, Flavio Viana Rocha, Agriculture minister Teresa Cristina, to establish closer trade relations, investments, agriculture sanitary rules and the ambitious Argentine project of a natural gas pipeline from Patagonia shale deposits to Porto Alegre and further north.

Continue reading.

[antoniapagano]

Terrorism - a consequence of fanatism, radicalism and intolerance

Gustavo Arístegui is Member of the Spanish Parliament and Spokesman in the Foreign Affairs Parliamentary Commission for the Popular Party.  

He served in the European Division, in the Africa and Middle East Division as Deputy Head of Middle East Affairs in the time of the first Gulf War (1990-91), as Deputy Chief of Mission of the Spanish Embassy to Libya (1991-1993) where he was Charge D’Affaires (Acting Ambassador) for well over a year, and as Deputy Chief of Mission of the Spanish Embassy to Jordan (1993-96).

The lecture "TERRORISM AS A SECURITY CHALLENGE FOR THE EU" was organized in cooperation with the Asociación Popular Española de Bélgica and took place in the European Office of the Konrad-Adenauer-Foundation (KAS) on March 19th 2007. It featured Mr. Gustavo Arístegui - Member of the Spanish Parliament and spokesman in the Foreign Affairs Parliamentary Commission for the Partido Popular- who presented his view on the topic. Mr. Arístegui is the author of the books El islamismo contra el Islam, published in 2004, and La yihad en España (2005).

According to him, terrorism has to be compared now to a fight for imposing ideologies. In a way, the terrorist threat has to be taken more seriously than ever before. Illegal commission is a cause for the booming terrorism. The European Union has to take into account those changes and be aware that terrorism will keep on evolving. The EU has to develop a flexible policy strategy and be able to adapt quickly to the moving trends of a more and more “imaginative terrorism”. Mr. Arístegui also insisted on the fact that terrorism should not to be mixed with religion - Islam should not to be mixed with Islamism. Terrorism is a consequence of fanatism, (religious) radicalism and intolerance. Illegal commissions are the backbone of terrorists groups. This free flow of illegal commission and other funds should be stopped.

       Terrorist groups are more and more refined in the way they recruit members. They spread their recruitment to schools, prisons and poor suburbs in European cities.

         Gustavo de Arístegui stressed the importance of terrorist’s groups´ networks. Networks of major terrorist groups such as Al-Qaida are very complicated and well organized, and include mostly very influential people.

         Gustavo de Arístegui concluded with some suggestions prevention is one of the key elements of the battle against terrorism. The European Union has to tackle the recruitment of new terrorists and be aware of the methods and trends of new forms of terrorism.

         In the following debate, Mr. Arístegui added that the EU has to develop a multidimensional strategy. EU members have to combine their efforts against common enemies and have to forget former divergence of opinion. Finally, he reminded the importance of working together with non EU-countries, particularly with the United States.

[blackssuunn-mandoandyodito]

Tabaco y Brea

Part three

Pairing:Javier Peña x DEA! reader

Rating:Uh, PG-13? What are the ratings?

Words: 2.6k

A/N: Um, tbh this is my favorite and the one we start the Drama™ with.

Warnings:rape reference,violence, (murdering?), sexual talk, prostitution. If I’m missing anything let me know.

Summary:You go to Medellín for the Narco meeting. Things get complicated when Helena doesn’t arrive.

Part one Part two

Colonel Horacio Carrillo is waiting for you at the Carlos Holguin School, his base of operations, once you get to Medellín. Javi drives you all in the OGV (this time a white Van) with you in the back and Steve riding shotgun. Javier gets out, you and Steve rounding the car as the Colonel greets him.

“La inteligencia que me diste estaba en su punto. Los traquetos se van a reunir en las Margaritas” (Your intel was good. The traquetos (drug dealers) are gathering in Las Margaritas)

 You still can’t figure out how Javier was able to convince the Ambassador to let all of you come without more than a day’s notice.

You get closer, Carrillo turning his head towards your direction. Javier sighs.

“I want you to meet our new DEA, Steve Murphy”

The Colonel smirks. “Carne fresca” (Fresh meat)

Both look at each other, and you roll your eyes. 

“No sea idiota coronel” (Don’t be an idiot colonel)

Steve, once again, looks at you surprised. He may not speak Spanish but he’s sure he knows what idiota means.

Horacio laughs at your comment and lets a heavy hand fall on your shoulder. “No sea llorona Bera, hay que darle una buena bienvenida al nuevo!” (Don’t be a crybaby Bera, we have to give the new guy a good welcome!)

You shrug off his hand and get closer to Murphy in a protective stance. He’s a good guy, that much you’ve noticed with so little time he’s spent with you. Steve bumps you playfully as if saying thank you. You bump him back.

After that, everyone climbs into their respective cars and drive straight to the fancy hotel where the narcos meeting was going to be held.

You get a room along with the three of them, your Canon AE-1 hanging heavy on your neck as you climb up the stairs. Steve has a Fujica, and you guess he will be taking as many photos as he can. You’ll try and do the same, but the ones you’re taking will be staying with you and his are going to the ID guys.

Steve gets closer to the window and immediately starts snapping pictures as the narcos keep coming and getting out of their fancy vehicles. You do the same, but from the other angle.

You can see Carlos Lehder, the Ochoa brothers (and you now realize this probably has to do something with her sister being kidnapped) and Fernando Galeano “The Wolfman”, but you’re surprised when Gonzalo Rodriguez Gacha “The Mexican” gets out of another car, his face not very happy as they close the red door behind him.

“Is that Gacha?” Javi asks. You nod beside him, his voice sounding as surprised as you feel.

“I’ve never seen him with other traffickers”

The colonel is right, of course. Gacha is known for being a lone man regarding business, a paranoid man who doesn’t trust anyone. Him being there doesn’t mean anything good.

Finally, Pablo Escobar and Gustavo Gaviria arrive in a brown Mercedes convertible. Horacio orders Steve to take pictures of him and something urges you to answer that you’re not his soldiers to be bossed around, but keep your mouth shut.

Reluctantly, you admit in your insides that the intel Javi got from Helena was great, and you can feel in your guts that something big is going down today.

Hours pass and you realize that the meeting is over once the hookers are called up. The four of you get out and drive to the meeting point with Helena, and even if you’re not very fond of her you pray that she’s okay and got the work done.

-

“She should be here by now”

Javier is pacing outside with Carrillo standing beside one of the cars, Steve partially lying on the front while you’re inside with your head hanging out the window.

“You think she slipped?”

Javi shakes his head. “Nah, she’s no dummy”

Horacio bends over the car’s chest and laces his fingers together. “Maybe she’s getting pretty for you”

You snort and Javi gives you a dirty look but nods towards him. “Yeah”

More time passes, and if you’re honest you’re starting to get worried for the girl. One of Carrillo’s men gets close to him and mutters something that makes your heart sink to the bottom of your stomach.

“Vimos a la chica irse hace un buen rato” (we saw the girl leaving a long time ago)

You open the door and jump off, getting close to them as Carrillo speaks to Javi.

“They’re telling me the girl left a long time ago, she’s already dead”

Your partner looks concerned as he kneads his shoulder, a frown well pronounced showing in his face. He turns around and shakes his head.

“No, they wouldn’t kill her at the hotel”

“Then they killed her somewhere else, she knew the risks” you hate how nonchalant Horacio sounds, how easy he speaks about an innocent girl being dead because she decided to help you.

“If we’re going back, we go back now” Steve intervenes, and you’re grateful he has more human sense than Horacio. 

Javi gets close to him, muttering, “Necesito que la encuentres” (I need you to find her)

Horacio gives him a look, but answers. “Conozco un sicario, si te interesa. Quieres?” (I know a sicario, if you’re interested. You OK with that?)

Your blood runs cold as Javi nods, “yo voy” (I’ll go with you) 

You get close to both of them and grip Javi’s arm. “Yo iré contigo también” (I’ll go with you too)

Before Javi begins his protest, Carrillo points towards Steve. 

“Qué hacemos con Carne Fresca?” (What do we do with Fresh Meat?)

Javi glares at you. “Necesito que te quedes con él” (I need you to stay with him)

Disagreeing, you shake your head and move ahead of him. Horacio looks at how you walk towards his vehicle with a grin on his face, and you hear Javi telling Steve something from the distance.

 Shortly after, they’re following after you and climb into the car. 

-

You get to the place where the sicario is supposed to be and decide to stay inside the car as Javi and Carrillo along with one of his men go up to a balcony.

 Even if you’re not there, the sounds of a man getting chocked with a plastic bag reach your ears and Carrillo’s voice shouting drowns them a little bit. 

You clench your eyes shut as footsteps can be heard and shortly after, a gunshot resonates through the night. 

The sicario must have said something interesting because, without a word, both of them climb into the car and drive like crazy to another part of the city.

Horacio hits the brakes out of nowhere and the tires squeal in protest. Javier turns to look at you from the copilot seat, frowning.

“No me quedaré aqui Javier, ni lo pienses” (I won’t stay here Javier, don’t even think about it)

He lets out an exasperated sigh and gets out, his grip hard on the gun at his hands. 

Carrillo’s men go first, getting rid of the ones guarding the entrance. Then, Horacio goes on the other side, with Javi after him and you close behind. You climb the stairs silently, as close to the wall as the small space lets you, one of the soldiers leads you upstairs.

Chaos ensues when he fires, and shouts can be heard all over the place. Javier and Horacio start shooting the men quickly and soon it’s only you who are there. You turn around to Javi, and nausea invades your senses.

Helena is lying there, naked and beaten as she whimpers. Her face is bloody and bruises are starting to form all over her body. You have to cover your mouth to keep a gasp from escaping. You’re amazed at how beautiful she is, even after all of this, and a sense of admiration fills your chest. 

Javier takes off his vest and kneels to cover her with it. With tender hands, he holds her face and says her name.

“Helena? It’s me”

She doesn’t answer, and you can feel the guilt already eating at Javi.

“Te voy a sacar de aquí okay? Te lo prometo” (I’m going to take you out of here okay? I promise)

He lifts Helena in his arms and you trail behind him with your gun held up, Horacio walking behind you.

Nobody says a word as he takes her to the ambulance and you drive off to the hospital. Carrillo talks to his men by radio, telling them where you’re heading to and orders them to go there. Steve is still with them, so you guess you’ll find him there too.

You get to the hospital and Javi takes her to the ER, but they don’t let him go inside. Before his temper gets you in trouble, you put your hand on his shoulder and speak.

“Yo soy su hermana” (I’m her sister)

They nod without any protest and let you go inside with them. Javier sees you go and cocks his head in a silent thanks. 

Half an hour passes before anything else happens, but a doctor gets close to you in the waiting room to tell you she’s stable.

“Puede entrar a verla si lo desea, está consciente” (You can go see her if you want to, she’s conscious)

You nod and smile at her, “muchas gracias, iré en seguida” (thank you very much, I’ll go straight away)

Standing up, your muscles protest for being tense for so long, and you walk to the room the doctor pointed at.

Slowly, you open the door trying to avoid disturbing her, but her head turns towards your direction once a creaking sound echoes through the room.

“Hola Helena”, you greet her, “soy Bera, la compañera de Javier” (Hello Helena, I’m Bera, Javier’s (DEA) partner)

Your voice is soft, and you try to be as careful as possible so as not to startle her. You walk to his side and sit down at the chair beside his bed. She tries to give you a smile, but it becomes a pained expression caused by the bruises in her face.

“Tú eres Bera, eh?” (So you’re Bera, uh?) her voice is hoarse, probably because she screamed at some point. Your heart clenches at that. 

“Si, soy yo. Cómo te sientes?” (Yes, it’s me. How are you feeling?)

You feel stupid just as the words leave your mouth. How is she supposed to feel after what she just went through?

Despite this, she chuckles. “Como mierda, pero sobreviviré” (Like shit, but I’ll survive)

A strained smile reaches your lips. She’s a strong woman, that much you can notice. Regret invades your throat at how unjustified your resentment towards her was.

“Me aseguraré de que salgas de este país, te lo juro” (I’ll make sure you get out of this country, I swear)

She doesn’t say anything but nods, grateful. An awkward silence covers the room but you don’t want to leave her alone. The smell of desinfectant makes your nose itch, spots in the curtains making you uncomfortable. The covers of her bed are completely pristine though, and that reassures you a little.

Just as she’s about to fall asleep again, she mutters something.

“Eres muy especial para Javier, sabías?” (You’re very special to Javier, you know?)

Her words leave you speechless, and she keeps going at the lack of an answer.

“Contrario a lo que pareces pensar, yo no significo mucho para él. Nada más allá de una amistad tal vez” (Contrary to what you seem to think, I don’t mean much to him. Nothing more than a friendship maybe) Her words have an undertone of bitterness, and you open your mouth to speak but no words come out.

“Siempre que yo intentaba algo más con él, me rechazaba. Al principio pensé que era porque simplemente no estaba interesado en una relación,” she shrugs, the movement tense and clearly painful “pero aquella vez que me estaba cogiendo y dijo tu nombre? supe que era porque ya le pertenecía a alguien” (Every time I tried something with him, he rejected me. At first, I thought he just wasn’t interested in a relationship, but that one time he was fucking me and he said your name? I knew it was because he was already someone else’s)

You freeze, partially because of how easy she speaks about it and partially because of the actual words that just left his mouth.

“Yo-Yo no-no..” you stutter, “estás segura de que dijo mi nombre?” (I-I don’t-don’t… are you sure that he said my name?)

She chuckles at that. “Pues me acabas de decir que tú eres Bera, y si lo susurra en mi oído cuando se está corriendo no hay manera de que haya escuchado mal” (Well you just told me that you’re Bera, and if he whispers it at my ear when he’s coming there’s no way I heard it wrong)

Heat spreads through your cheeks and a flutter forms in your stomach at the (frankly hot) thought of Javi thinking about you as he came. But you don’t know if it means what you’d like, there’s no way to make sure unless Javi straight up tells you and he doesn’t even know you know.

You start freaking out in your head. Does he feel the same way about you? Was it just the heat of the moment? Are you gonna do anything about it? Why hasn’t he said anything!?

Ultimately, you decide not to do anything about it. If he wanted you to know he would have told you already. The thought hurts, but you can’t do much.

 You get out a pen from your jacket, rip a piece of paper from the notes at the bedside table and write your real name and the phone number from your house as well as your office one, handing it to Helena.

“Si alguna vez necesitas algo, llámame” (If you ever need something, call me)

She takes it from your hand and nods, folding it under her pillow. You stand up and go towards the door, but just as you’re about to get out, she speaks.

“Asegurate de que Javier esté bien” (Make sure Javier stays well)

Warmth spreads all over your body at her tone. You’re sure she doesn’t mean “keeping him safe”. Regardless of this, you nod.

“Siempre”(Always)

You close the door behind you and walk outside the hospital, conviction in every single one of your steps.

Javier is leaning in the bar at the streetside, Steve standing in front of him. It looks as if they just fought about something, Carrillo sitting at a chair behind Steve.

“I hope you know what that means” it’s the only thing you get to hear from the argument.

Javi then hands him a beer just as he walks towards the corner store, Steve taking a gulp of it. You get close to him and grab his arm.

“I’m sorry for leaving you behind”, you say. “I’m sure you didn’t come all the way down here to just sit around and watch from the sidelines”

Both Carrillo and he snort at your comment, leaving you perplexed. Were they talking about that before you came?

“It’s okay Bera, not your fault”, his posture understanding as he grabs your hand and squeezes. 

You smile and turn to Javier. “She’ll be fine. I’ll help you get her the visa”

Javier nods. “Gracias” (thank you)

You go buy a soda and the three of you drink in silence for a moment.

“Qué sigue de esto, equipo Torbellino?” (What goes after this, Whirlpool team?) Carrillo breaks the silence from his seat. He smirks at you and you roll your eyes at the nickname he gave to both you and Javier, but repress a smile and you turn towards him.

The night starts to weight down on you, the events of the day catching up with your body. In spite of this, you straighten up at the change of subject and your breath comes out easier than before.

“A Cali” Javi says. (To Cali)

You smile. 

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