Author: Sofia Diaz

April 2024WorldFocusInternational News

FOCUS on Public Diplomacy Conflicts – Mexico and Ecuador

Tensions between Mexico and Ecuador escalated on April 5, when Ecuadorian police invaded the Mexican Embassy in Quito. Jorge Glas, the former Ecuadorian Vice President, was arrested while taking refuge in the embassy after being convicted on accounts of corruption and bribery, leading to the diplomatic ties between the two countries being suspended. 

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April 20242024International News

Bulgaria and Romania Partially Join Schengen Area

Bulgaria and Romania are the newest partial members of the Schengen Area, the border-free travel zone guaranteeing free movement of goods, people, and capital, which is now comprised of 29 members. Despite the veto from Austria, which enforces the new Schengen status in Bulgaria and Romania to remain unchanged for land borders, their accession is significant for both countries, aiding efforts to install ties to the European Union (EU). 

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2024March 2024FirearmsNarco-StatesInternational NewsNarcotics Trade

Former Honduran President Convicted in the US of Working with Drug Traffickers

Juan Orlando Hernández, a former 2-term president of Honduras, has been indicted on drug-trafficking and firearm charges and was extradited to the United States for trial. Hernández has been accused of conspiring with infamous drug lords such as Joaquín Guzmán Loera, the former leader of the Sinaloa Cartel also known as El Chapo, to import copious amounts of cocaine into the U.S and of possessing destructive firearms.

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February 2024International NewsU.S.Europe

Hungary Declines Meeting with US Senators over Sweden’s NATO Bid

Prime Minister Orbán is considered to have a well-grounded relationship with Russian President Vladmir Putin in comparison to other European Union leaders. However, Orbán made an initial claim announcing his support for Sweden’s entry to the military alliance while confirming that it was his legislative counterparts that were reluctant.

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