(2021-04-30). The 'Doctor of the Poor' To Be Beatified Today in Venezuela. telesurenglish.net Venezuela will hold the beatification ceremony of Jose Gregorio Hernandez, a scientist who was popularly known as the "Doctor of the Poor" due to his humanitarian work during his lifetime between 1864 and 1919. | RELATED: | "Hernandez's beatification is a special blessing from God for Venezuela. It Invites us to be more supportive with each other, so we can revive and reborn after the pandemic," Pope Francis told t…
(2021-04-30). Cuba Offers Its COVID-19 Vaccines to Eurasian Countries. telesurenglish.net Cuba's Prime Minister Manuel Marrero announced that his nation is willing to provide COVID-19 vaccines to the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU). | RELATED: | "Given the incidence of COVID-19 in our countries, the high prices of vaccines, and estimates that it would take 21 years to immunize the world population, we reiterate our willingness to support the EEU states in the fight against this pandemic with our vaccines,"
(2021-04-30). Headlines for April 30, 2021. democracynow.org India COVID Cases Continue to Soar as Arundhati Roy Decries "Crime Against Humanity", Deaths Soar in Latin America; Brazil COVID Death Toll Tops 400,000, 44 Ultra-Orthordox Jews Die in Stampede at Religious Site, Abbas Postpones Palestinian Elections, USAID Watchdog Criticizes Trump's Politicization of Aid to Venezuela, Thousands Flee into Thailand as Burmese Junta Launches Airstrikes Near Border, Florida Approves Sweeping Voter Suppression Bill, West Virginia, Florida & Texas Bills Target Trans Youth, Biden Vows to Close Private Detention Centers in Response to Georgia Protesters, Right-Wing Extremists Face New…
(2021-04-30). Ecosocialist bookshelf: Activist fuel. greenleft.org.au Ian Angus introduces seven new books for activists.
(2021-04-30). As Biden Makes Progress on the Domestic Front, He Barely Gets a Passing Grade on Foreign Policy. commondreams.org "On the foreign policy front, many progressives are surprised and disappointed at how little has changed." | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files… …
(2021-04-30). The dirty campaign underlying Ecuador's 'free and fair' election. greenleft.org.au Ecuador's April 11 election that led to a 5-point victory by conservative banker Guillermo Lasso over progressive candidate Andrés Arauz was not what it appeared to be, write Medea Benjamin and Leonardo Flores.
(2021-04-30). IG Report Finds Trump Aid to Venezuela Was Aimed at Toppling Maduro. commondreams.org A new report from USAID's inspector general shows Trump-era U.S. aid to Venzuela was at least partially motivated by a desire for regime change. | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files… …
(2021-04-30). Labor and culture unite for virtual May Day concert at HotHouse. peoplesworld.org 
CHICAGO—Celebrate International Workers Day with a HotHouse special online cultural program featuring Jon Langford & Sally Timms, Marvin Tate, and Bill MacKay, plus shout-outs from activists in the labor movement. Jon Langford and Sally Timms have been performing together in and around U.K. Punk Rock band the Mekons since the early 1980s. This acoustic duo …
(2021-04-30). Why Does Washington Keep Punishing Cuba? counterpunch.org 
According to the geopolitical analysis site STRATFOR, sanctions are "a coercive tool to compel a targeted entity to adjust its behaviour" and can be effected in a number of ways and, indeed, applied for very different reasons. An intriguing aspect of sanctions' imposition is that some of these reasons are not intended primarily to alter the target's behaviour
(2021-04-30). Ten PDVSA Officials Arrested for Diversion of Diesel and Gasoline in Maracaibo. orinocotribune.com 
In the past few hours ten officials, including carriers and managers, of Venezuela's state-owned oil company PDVSA were arrested for diversion of diesel and premium gasoline at the Bajo Grande refinery and distribution plant, located in the city of Maracaibo (Zulia state). This was communicated to the country on Thursday, April 29, in the weekly press conference by the Attorney General of Venezuela, Tarek William Saab. | "The investigation was initiated by virtue of a complaint lodged by the manager of Comprehensive Security of Operations and the International Trade and Supply Market. It was determined that there…
(2021-04-30). Iranian-Affiliated Commander Killed In Drone Strike Near Syrian-Iraqi Border: Monitoring Group. southfront.org 
Photo: U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Brian Ferguson | An Iranian-affiliated commander was killed as a result of a drone strike on the eastern Syrian governorate of Deir Ezzor, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported on April 29. | The strike targeted a house and military vehicle in the town of al-Sayyal, which is located around 20 km to the north of the al-Bukamal border crossing with Iraq."The attack resulted in the death of a commander of a non-Syrian nationality and the injury of five militiamen,…
(2021-04-30). Iranian Foreign Minister Says Tehran Supports Yemen Ceasefire Negotiations. southfront.org 
Click to see full-size image | On April 28th, Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said that he supported ceasefire negotiations in Yemen. | He said that in a meeting with Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdul Salam in Oman.During the talks, Zarif "once again stressed our country's view regarding the political solution being the only solution to the crisis of Yemen", the Iranian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. | The Minister "emphasised our country's support for a ceasefire and Yemeni-Yemeni talks", it added. | In his m…
(2021-04-30). Iranian Foreign Minister Says Tehran Supports Yemen Ceasefire Negotiations. southfront.org Click to see full-size image | On April 28th, Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif said that he supported ceasefire negotiations in Yemen. | He said that in a meeting with Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdul Salam in Oman.During the talks, Zarif "once again stressed our country's view regarding the political solution being the only solution to the crisis of Yemen", the Iranian foreign ministry said in a statement. | The foreign minister "emphasised our country's support for a ceasefire and Yemeni-Yemeni talks", it added.
(2021-04-30). Central Syria: Russian Airstrikes Killed More Than 50 Terrorists In Past Month. southfront.org 
File image. | More than 50 terrorists of ISIS had been killed in central Syria over the past month as a result of airstrikes carried out by the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS), the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported on April 30. | According to the London-based monitoring group, Russian warplanes carried out at least 1,260 airstrikes on ISIS cells in central Syria."SOHR activists documented the death of 59 ISIS members and the injury of 38 others due to over 1,260 Russian airs…
(2021-04-30). Entry of passengers from eastern borders halted due to COVID. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 30 (MNA) — Spokesman for the Islamic Republic of Iran Customs Administration (IRICA) said that entry of Pakistani and Afghan passengers and also other nationals from eastern borders into the country was completely prohibited.
(2021-04-30). Iran to start public COVID-19 vaccination as of June 'Likely'. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 30 (MNA) — A member of the National Coronavirus Combat and Prevention Headquarters revealed that the country will kick off the mass vaccination of people against COVID-19 as of June.
(2021-04-30). Reporting from Around the World, Reese Erlich Was a Beacon of Independent Journalism. indybay.org He challenged "the basic assumptions of empire"
(2021-04-30). Climate activists blockade nuclear base with giant plant pots. thecanary.co Climate activists have blockaded the Faslane nuclear base by attaching themselves to giant plant pots. | Members of Extinction Rebellion Scotland and Trident Ploughshares, are staging the blockade at the north gate of the base on the Gare Loch in Argyll and Bute. | The group placed three planters, which contain plants and flowers and are painted with the words "Safe", "Green", and "Future", on the road on Friday morning. | A protester is locked on to each planter so they cannot be moved, preventing access to the base, though emergency vehicles can still access the site via the south gate. | The activists said the…
(2021-04-30). West Papua: Crackdown feared following Indonesian intelligence chief's death. greenleft.org.au West Papua solidarity activists fear an escalation of violence in West Papua, reports Susan Price.
(2021-04-30). Malaysia: Lynas' plan for permanent radioactive waste dump rejected. greenleft.org.au Environmental activists and local residents have been waging a long-running campaign against a toxic rare-earths refinery in Malaysia run by Lynas Rare Earths, an Australian corporation, reports Peter Boyle.
(2021-04-30). Animal Liberation Conference in September. indybay.org The Animal Liberation Conference brings together the most dedicated animal rights activists from around the world and empowers them to take bold, collective action to achieve revolutionary social and political change for animals.
(2021-04-30). Mumia Abu-Jamal Supporters March in Oakland. indybay.org Remembering that the Black Panther Party started off with police-watching patrols, activists marched and rallied in Oakland on April 24 with their call, "Free Mumia!" Earlier in the week, a group of UN human rights experts expressed serious concerns over his treatment and wellbeing and called on authorities to urgently address the situation.
(2021-04-30). As Yemen's Famine Worsens, Biden Does Nothing. thenation.com As Yemen's Famine Worsens, Biden Does Nothing…
(2021-04-30). There Is No Yemen Policy. thenation.com There Is No Yemen Policy…
(2021-04-30). Lifting all illegal sanctions key to success of Vienna talks. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 30 (MNA) — China's State News Agency said that success of JCPOA talks in Vienna strictly hinges on lifting of all unilateral and illegal sanctions imposed by the United States against the Islamic Republic of Iran.
(2021-04-30). Iranian karate referee elected jury of Global League. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 30 (MNA) —Iranian woman karate referee Elmira Gozalzadeh was elected as a jury member of the Karate Global League.
(2021-04-30). Zarif meets with Kuwaiti PM to discuss bilateral relations. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 30 (MNA) — Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif met and held talks with Kuwait's Prime Minister Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah on Thursday to discuss mutual ties and regional cooperation.
(2021-04-30). Araghchi meets with Austrian FM to discuss JCPOA. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 30 (MNA) — Heading Iranian delegation to JCPOA talks in Vienna, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for the Political Affairs Seyyed Abbas Araghchi met and held talks with Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg in Vienna on Thu.
(2021-04-30). Persian Gulf: From rich history to security depth. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 30 (MNA) — Iran is celebrating the Persian Gulf National Day, which marks the anniversary of the expulsion of colonial and foreign forces from the strategic water body in 1622.
(2021-04-30). 1st online Holy Quran exhibition to be inaugurated tomorrow. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 30 (MNA) — The first edition of online Holy Quran Exhibition will start its work tomorrow on Saturday April 31 in the presence of Iranian Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance.
(2021-04-30). World powers want JCPOA revival before Iran-IAEA deal expiry. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 30 (MNA) — World powers are seeking the revival of Iran's nuclear deal, JCPOA, before expiry date of a deal inked between Islamic Republic of Iran and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
(2021-04-30). US Minneapolis—Saint Paul FilmFest. to host 'Careless Crime'. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 30 (MNA) — Iranian film, 'Careless Crime' directed by Shahram Mokri will take part in the 40th Minneapolis—Saint Paul International Film Festival in the US.
(2021-04-30). Positive signs seen in Vienna talks, regional coop.: Zarif. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 30 (MNA) — Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said that positive signs are seen in Vienna talks on Iran's nuclear program and cooperation in the region.
(2021-04-30). Iran welcoming S Arabia's invitation of talk with Iran: Spox. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 30 (MNA) — Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman showed reaction to the recent remarks of the Saudi Crown Prince and said that the Islamic Republic of Iran welcomes Saudi Arabia's invitation for holding talks to iron out the differences.
(2021-04-30). Iran Hopes for Better Saudi Ties After 'Change of Tone'. news.antiwar.com On April 9 it was reported that Iraq had put together secret talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia in Baghdad. Officials are now confirming as much, and Iranian and Saudi officials are both talking of a new era of cooperation and improved ties. | Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman confirmed this week that he's hoping for a "good and special relationship," and Iranian Foreign Ministry officials say they are This is a big change, as Iran and Saudi…
(2021-04-30). Why Guantánamo Should be Returned to Cuba. counterpunch.org One of the many challenges facing President Joe Biden is what to do with regard to Guantánamo. Together with former President Barak Obama, President Biden did much to restore normal relations with Cuba, a course of action that was altered by Donald Trump's decision to harden the U.S. Government posture with Havana. In an April16,
(2021-04-29). Headlines for April 29, 2021. democracynow.org Biden Urges Congress to Back Vast Expansion of Social Safety Net & New Taxes on Rich, India in Public Health Catastrophe as Deaths & Infections Reach New High, Hate Crimes Charges Filed Against Georgia Men in Ahmaud Arbery Murder, NC Judge Delays Release of Police Footage of Andrew Brown Jr. Shooting, Video: Chicago Police Shot Anthony Alvarez Dead as He Was Running Away, FBI Raid Rudy Giuliani's Home & Office, Mass Protests in Colombia Held to Protest Iván Duque & Proposed Tax Reform, U.S. Contractors Are Still Helping Maintain Saudi Warplanes Used in Yemen War, Israel Faces Call to Free Alaa al-Rimawi, Palestin…
(2021-04-29). Cambios en Cuba. globalizacion.ca Recuerdo los epitafios escritos por adelantado hace 30 años. Mientras se desmoronaba la Unión de Repúblicas Socialistas Soviéticas, los sabios de la tribu vaticinaban que Cuba no resistiría sin el oro de Moscú ni podría soportar la entropía del socialismo…
(2021-04-29). Ambassador Adán Chávez Praises the Work of China's Communist Party. orinocotribune.com The Communist Party of China (CCP) has been fundamental in the social and economic development achieved by the Asian country in recent decades, said Adán Chávez, vice president of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV), reported Xinhua. | "There are one hundred years of fruitful work, of great achievements, of enormous advances for the happiness of the Chinese people," Chávez, who is also Venezuela's ambassador to Cuba, told Xinhua, referring to the centenary of the founding of the CCP to be celebrated in July. | Chávez, who visited China four times between 2017 and 2019, asserted that the strong leadersh…
(2021-04-29). Russia's Expanding Footprint In The Middle East — OpEd. eurasiareview.com By Talmiz Ahmad* | Over the last month or so, the shadow of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has loomed large across the Middle East. In March, he visited the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. He was soon back in the region, visiting Egypt and Iran on April 12-13. | Russia became a key player in the Middle East when it brought its armed forces into Syria in September 2015 to prevent externally sponsored regime change. Having achieved this fairly quickly, its diplomatic canvas has broadened to include all the regional states, with which it is building substantial ties in the areas of energy, economics and defe…
(2021-04-29). Aid to Venezuela Aimed to Unseat Maduro – US Govt Watchdog. telesurenglish.net The Office of the Inspector General at the U.S. Agency for International Development concluded that the U.S. aid to Venezuela in 2019 was not fully allocated to the country, and it was part of a mechanism to unseat democratically elected President Nicolás Maduro. The findings, known on Thursday, belong to a report published by this office on April 16. | RELATED: | Titled "Enhanced Processes and Implementer Requirements Are Ne…
(2021-04-29). Defend Jerusalem, Rally for Return and Liberation: Take Action for the Week of Palestinian Struggle 15-22 May. samidoun.net 
Defend Jerusalem Freedom for the Prisoners Resistance Toward Victory Return and Liberation Take Action! Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network urges organizations, activists, social movements and friends of Palestine everywhere to take action to defend Jerusalem, rally for Palestinians' right to return, and act for justice and liberation for all of Palestine. We join in the call for the Week of Action for Palestinian Struggle, 15-22 May 2021: take action, march, rally, protest, organize and struggle for Palestine! Read the call from the Masar Badil (Alternative Palestinian Path) here As we approach the…
(2021-04-29). Farewell, Professor Aristóbulo Istúriz! orinocotribune.com 
A new bout of deep sadness is being endured in the ranks of the Bolivarian Revolution, after the sorrowful loss of Professor Aristóbulo Istúriz, an outstanding social leader, workers advocate, and teacher who served as Minister for Education in recent years. | The unfortunate news was reported on social media networks in the evening hours of this Tuesday, April 27, when the Executive Vice President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Delcy Rodríguez, expressed her regret for the physical departure of "the prof," as he was known by many. | Rodríguez highlighted the character of Minister Istúriz, as a fighter…
(2021-04-29). World Police: Washington Seeks to Imprison Foreign Businesspeople for Violating Illegal U.S. Sanctions. strategic-culture.org 
In violation of international law, the US is seeking to extradite and imprison foreign businesspeople for circumventing its unilateral sanctions. Washington's targets include Venezuelan national Alex Saab, North Korean Mun Chol Myong, and Chinese Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou. | By Stansfield SMITH | The United States uses economic sanctions as a weapon against states that choose a development path independent of US global domination. Sanctions can take the form of blocking a nation's financial and trade transactions, not allowing financial institutions to process them. The US can also freeze the assets of ano…
(2021-04-29). Military Situation In Yemen On April 29 (Map Update). southfront.org 
Click to see full-size image | The Liaison and Coordination Officers' Operations Room (loyal to Ansar Allah) reported 107 ceasefire violations in al-Hudaydah during the past 24 hours. | On April 28, Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 15 airstrikes on the Sarwah area. | On April 28, Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 2 airstrikes on the Majzar area. | On April 28, Saudi-led coalition warplanes conducted 2 airstrikes on the Hazm area. | On April 28, Ansar Allah attacked King Khalid Airbase with a…
(2021-04-29). Venezuela Mourns Longtime Chavista Leader Aristóbulo Istúriz. venezuelanalysis.com "The professor," as he was known, held several high-ranking posts in the last 20 years and was a key figure in the Bolivarian Revolution.
(2021-04-29). Iran COVID-19 update: 19,899 new cases, 385 deaths. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 29 (MNA) — According to the Public Relations Department of the Ministry of Health and Medical Education, a number of 385 people died of the coronavirus, COVID-19, in the past 24 hours.
(2021-04-29). Eastern borders must be controlled against Indian COVID entry. en.mehrnews.com TEHRAN, Apr. 29 (MNA) — Iranian President Hassan Rouhani called for the eastern borders of Iran to be meticulously controlled in order to stop COVID-19 from entering the country, so that it would not face a condition like that of the UK coronavirus.
(2021-04-29). Reporting from Around the World, Reese Erlich Was a Beacon of Independent Journalism. indybay.org He challenged "the basic assumptions of empire"
(2021-04-29). Halt Israel's Genocidal Policies is Quds Day Message. orinocotribune.com By Iqbal Jassat — Apr 18, 2021 | As global solidarity movements in support of Palestine's freedom struggle begin preparations for the annual Quds Day commemoration, America's new administration, under president Joe Biden, remains stuck in the mud. | Each year during the month of Ramadan, the last Friday is dedicated to raising awareness on the illegal dispossession, occupation and ongoing atrocities perpetrated by the apartheid regime. Quds Day, as it was called for by the leader of Iran's Islamic Revolution Imam Khomeini, has galvanized civil rights movements across the world to support and sustain action p…