As armed groups prosper, local residents put hopes Gustavo Petro’s pledge to normalise relations with Venezuela
While foot traffic across the frontier is allowed for some permit-holders, some merchants and the most vulnerable migrants have been forced to rely on the criminal underworld to cross – just asLocal residents say this sweltering town alone is home to at least 15 mafia groups, including the leftist National Liberation Army guerrillas, drug gangs, rightwing paramilitaries and Mexican cartels.
Petro and Maduro have both expressed hopes to change that by normalising trade and diplomatic relations – and in August, the two countries announced ambassadors, a major step in rebuilding the relationship. “Maybe I’d be able to look for different work, be a little more relaxed because I won’t have to be running for my life or running into danger, I’d just be able to have a stable job,” he said. “I’d be able to pay rent, pay the bills, buy my baby diapers and food.”
“We thought this was going to be a lot faster,” she said. “We [businesses on the border] are the ones that are feeling the urgent need to re-establish this commercial relationship with our neighbouring country.”
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Essendon CEO Xavier Campbell resignsCampbell, who recently re-signed for two more years, has walked out following a disagreement of opinion with new president David Barham.
Read more »
Australians fear war with China more than people in Taiwan. A new study has blamed 'fearmongering'The research reveals an increasing fear of Beijing and the possibility of war with China.
Read more »
Sydney train disruptions to continue despite union flagging potential 'breakthrough'The Rail, Tram and Bus Union secretary says its battle with the NSW government could be easing but action planned for this week is 'too far gone' to wind back.
Read more »
Top lawyers back call for lower-skilled visaThey say such a scheme, which has been proposed by NSW Treasurer Matt Kean before next week’s jobs summit, would be an “immediate” way to ease skills shortages.
Read more »
Police told woman 'what doesn't kill you makes you stronger' a day before her husband died, inquest hearsA Townsville inquest hears Queensland police are entering the job woefully unprepared for domestic and family violence matters, but that training is aiming to improve the situation in north Queensland.
Read more »
Wallaby rips 'someone in a suit' over rule change'We're asking these blokes to compress a spine for a living'
Read more »