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Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer Explores Game-Changing Global Challenges and Emerging Markets at Doha Forum: What You Need To KnowNoneIn the heart of Caracas, the residence of the Argentine ambassador has turned into a makeshift sanctuary for a group of Venezuelan opposition leaders who have been under siege since they sought refuge there earlier this year. This once-thriving diplomatic compound, now deserted of its usual personnel, has become the home of five political asylum seekers who have been trapped inside for over nine months. S Those opponents, who work for María Corina Machado’s opposition, state that Venezuelan authorities constantly follow them around and exert psychological pressure against them. Struggle Of Opposition Members In Exile For nearly a year now, the residence of the Argentine embassy has seen little activity beyond the hum of a small diesel generator used twice daily to charge phones. The familiar sounds of diplomatic discourse or festive holiday cheer are replaced by an eerie silence, as the few inhabitants of this mansion remain confined in a self-imposed exile. The opposition members living behind these walls—Omar González, the campaign manager Magalli Meda, and other prominent members of Machado’s movement among them—describe their situation as a psychological and physical ordeal. “The pressure from the government has been escalating,” said González in a recent virtual press conference. “We are under constant surveillance, and nobody can visit us without prior authorization... the psychological toll is tremendous.” Since March 2024, the last bastion of protection had been the Argentine embassy, where the group has been since they left Venezuela. Following President Nicolás Maduro’s disputed July presidential elections victory, Argentina was among the first nations to grant asylum to Machado’s team. Still, Venezuelan authorities have increasingly tightened the noose on the residence, creating a more hostile environment for the members of the opposition seeking refuge. Struggle For Survival The opposition’s stance remains unwavering despite the mounting pressure. Following the controversial July election results, which opposition figures like Edmundo González argued were rigged, a significant number of opposition supporters have faced persecution. González’s claim, supported by voting receipts, suggested that the election was fraudulent, but the government continued to uphold Maduro’s victory. With no legal recourse inside Venezuela, opposition leaders like González have fled the country, seeking international recognition of their efforts. Most disturbingly, the security forces have cordoned off the residence and erected numerous checkpoints outside; they have even occupied neighboring buildings. Drones incessantly fly overhead, and surveillance snipers have even been reported. On 13 December 2024, Luis Almagro, Secretary General of the Organization of American States posted a photo on social media which showed what looked like an occupied sniper post, supposedly looking in at the Embassy compound. Amid these increasing tensions, the Venezuelan government has accused the opposition members of terrorism and treason for their involvement in the anti-regime efforts. However, the asylum seekers insist on their innocence, arguing that their only “crime” is fighting for a free Venezuela. The Cost Of Detention Life inside the embassy has grown increasingly hard. The residents speak of their isolation and the lack of basic necessities, including steady electricity and running water. The Argentine flag no longer flies above the residence—replaced by Brazil’s green and gold banner after Brazilian diplomats took over the building’s custody following Argentina’s expulsion. The feeling of being trapped has not diminished because of the absence of diplomatic staff. For months now, Venezuelan authorities have been cutting off electricity to the building, so members of the opposition have relied on a small generator to supply their power. “Power is our biggest problem,” said Magalli Meda, campaign manager. “We can’t even go to the toilet when the generator’s off. We are completely isolated.” The building has a small water tank, but the system requires electricity to pump through the building. Art is for Meda, a product designer by profession, one that has helped her keep herself sane. She expresses through painting to let the feelings out. Most of her recent pieces are characterized by animals in distress as represented by a pig for slaughter or a small fish locked in a bowl inscribed “horizon” with. “This embassy turned prison,” Meda noted. Despite the desperate situation, opposition members keep working for a free Venezuela, keep in touch with international organizations, and support imprisoned activists. But the threat of arrest is always over their heads. Several have voiced concerns about how much longer they can stay in the embassy under the increasing pressure of the Venezuelan government. ALSO READ | Find Out What’s Open And Closed This Christmas Eve, Christmas Day 2024
Saudi Arabia’s stock market ended higher on Sunday as investors raised their bets on the prospect of a U.S. interest rate cut this month after U.S. payrolls data showed strong job growth in November, although the Qatari index retreated. Nonfarm payrolls increased by 227,000 jobs last month after increasing by an upwardly revised 36,000 in October, in a month hit by hurricanes and strikes. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast payrolls accelerating by 200,000 jobs. Traders now see an 87% chance of a 25-basis-point cut at the Federal Reserve’s December meeting, versus a 72% chance before the payrolls data. UAE stocks mixed as investors eye US payrolls data The Fed’s decisions significantly impact the Gulf region’s monetary policy, as most currencies in the region, including Saudi Arabia’s, are pegged to the U.S. dollar. Saudi Arabia’s benchmark index edged 0.2% higher, helped by a 2.3% rise in aluminium products manufacturer Al Taiseer Group. The country’s economy grew 2.8% in the third quarter from the same period a year earlier, supported by an increase in non-oil activity, government data showed on Sunday. In Qatar, the index eased 0.3%, hit by a 1.9% fall in the Gulf’s biggest lender Qatar National Bank. Meanwhile, Qatar - the world’s largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) producer - has no concerns about U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s promise to lift a cap on LNG exports, Qatar’s Energy Minister Saad al-Kaabi said on Saturday, adding his country would cope with any competition. Outside the Gulf, Egypt’s blue-chip index gained 0.7%, led by a 4.9% jump in Telecom Egypt. Inflation in Egypt is forecast to have eased to 26.4% in November as food prices cooled, according to a poll released on Sunday. SAUDI ARABIA rose 0.2% to 11,955 QATAR gained 0.7% to 10,118 EGYPT up 0.7% to 31,061 BAHRAIN eased 0.1% to 2,036 OMAN fell 0.5% to 4,548 KUWAIT dropped 0.2% to 7,792Nordstrom knows exactly what time of year it is. It is the best season to shop for UGG boots and slippers on sale ! Black Friday and Cyber Monday might have passed, but Nordstrom still has a slew of products on sale , and that includes beloved UGG styles. There are a variety of boots and slippers marked down by up to 40% off. There are even some sneaker styles for up to 55% off, like the women’s Goldencush Sneaker for $72, instead of $160. Right now, you can get the women’s New Heights UGGplush Lined Clog for $90, instead of $140 (35% off), the women’s Classic Ultra Mini Alpsey Boot for $120, instead of $180 (33% off; available in Black/Pale Lemon and Mustard Seed / Birch), and the Discoquette Slide Slipper for $75, instead of $110 (31% off). While everyone is always looking for deals first, Nordstrom also has a number of popular styles that previously sold out in stock, like the Burnt Cider Tasman slipper is in stock, plus the Deep Ice colorway of this style is on sale for $83, instead of $110. Nordstrom also has the women’s Goldenstar Cozy Clog in stock in both colors, Black and Chestnut. UGG Nordstrom Deals Goldencoast Water Repellent Slingback Clog (Men) for $91, instead of $130 Tasman IOE Indoor/Outdoor Slipper (Men) for $90, instead of $120 Kids’ Neumel Water Resistant Genuine Shearling Platform Chelsea Boot for $95, instead of $135 CityFunc Mid Platform Bootie (Women) for $108, instead of $180 Kids’ Classic Ultra Mini New Heights Platform Boot for $90, instead of $135 CityFunc Ultra Mini Bootie (Women) for $96, instead of $160 Shop these UGG deals and more sale items from Nordstrom right now. The Best Gift Guides of 2024 20 Harry Potter gifts to buy for the muggle in your life 16 gift ideas for ‘Nightmare Before Christmas’ fans 20 travel gifts for the jetsetter in your life 8 Black Friday video game deals to add to your wish list Where to find these 11 Christmas toys at the top of everyone’s wish list for 2024 before they sell out Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com . Dawn Magyar can be reached at dmagyar@njadvancemedia.com . Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips/ .
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