Prisoner Exchange
Last week Venezuela did a prisoner exchange with the United States. This exchange freed the ten Americans currently held by Venezuela in exchange for Alex Saab, a friend of President Maduro, who was being held in prison after accusations of money laundering.
The Americans were held on various charges, sometimes vague, such as crossing the border illegally. Two American mercemaries who were part of a ridiculous effort to overthrow the government of Maduro were also released. Some Venezuelans held on political charges were also part of the deal. The prisoner exchange was the result of lengthy negotiations between the two governments and a sign that relations between the two are improving.
The voters in Chile rejected a new constitution for the second time. The current constitution was written during the government of Pinochet. There were protests by the left wing in Chile, who wanted a constitution protecting the rights of women and indigenous people. It was rejected in a referendum for being too left wing. The conservatives then tried to write their new constitution and it was rejected last Sunday. The result is that Chile will continue with Pinochet's constitution for the forseeable future.
On Thursday opponents of Argentina's President Milei protested his actions to slash the size of the government and cut regulation. The press says the protest drew thousands. The protest was heavily policed and peaceful.
Not much news in this week before Christmas. Enjoy the holidays!