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Nicolás Maduro Strengthens Legal Defense with High-Profile Attorney from Diddy's Trial

Nicolás Maduro, the former Venezuelan president, has bolstered his legal defense team by hiring Anna Estevao, an attorney known for her role in Sean 'Diddy' Combs' criminal trial. Estevao joins Maduro's defense as part of the law firm Harris Trzaskoma LLP, which recently welcomed Barry Pollack, a prominent lawyer recognized for his work with Julian Assange. Estevao's involvement in Combs' trial, where she cross-examined key witnesses, highlights her experience in handling high-profile cases. Maduro faces charges of narco-terrorism and weapons offenses, alongside his wife, Cilia Flores, both of whom have pleaded not guilty. The proceedings are being overseen by US District Judge Alvin Hellerstein in the same courtroom where Combs' trial took place.

Venezuela's Maduro adds Sean 'Diddy' Combs' lawyer to defense team

Venezuela's Maduro adds Sean 'Diddy' Combs' lawyer to defense team

By Luc Cohen NEW YORK, June 4 (Reuters) - Nicolas Maduro has added a lawyer who represented hip-hop mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs at trial to his defense team, court records showed on Thursday, as the ousted Venezuelan president prepares to fight the U.S. drug trafficking charges he faces.

The Latest: Rubio hopes talks between Lebanon and Israel will end hostilities

The Latest: Rubio hopes talks between Lebanon and Israel will end hostilities

Secretary of State Marco Rubio says he hopes high-level talks between Israel and Lebanon will lead to a joint statement on ending hostilities

Live updates: House passes resolution to halt military action in Iran in rebuke of Trump

Live updates: House passes resolution to halt military action in Iran in rebuke of Trump

The House approved a war powers resolution that would halt the U.S. military action against Iran, defying President Donald Trump as a handful of Republicans joined with Democrats to seek to end the war

Cuba's Raul Castro, wanted by the US, celebrates 95th birthday

Cuba's Raul Castro, wanted by the US, celebrates 95th birthday

By Dave Sherwood HAVANA, June 3 (Reuters) - Cuba's former leader Raul Castro turned 95 on Wednesday, though his whereabouts were still unknown two weeks after U.S. authorities charged him with murder in connection with the downing of civilian airplanes in 1996.

Xi Jinping to Visit North Korea for Diplomatic Engagement with Kim Jong Un

Xi Jinping to Visit North Korea for Diplomatic Engagement with Kim Jong Un

Chinese leader Xi Jinping is set to visit North Korea next week for a two-day state visit, marking his first trip to the country since 2019. This visit comes shortly after Xi hosted U.S. President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing, highlighting China's active diplomatic engagements. The visit, confirmed by both China's state media Xinhua and North Korea's KCNA, aims to strengthen the historically complex relationship between China and North Korea, which has seen tensions in recent years. This trip will also be Xi's first overseas visit of the year, indicating its significance in China's foreign policy agenda.

North Korea Unveils New Nuclear Facility Amid Escalating Tensions

North Korea Unveils New Nuclear Facility Amid Escalating Tensions

North Korea has announced the opening of a new facility designed to produce nuclear bomb fuels, as part of leader Kim Jong Un's plan to expand the country's nuclear forces at an exponential rate. The facility, which uses advanced technology, is likely intended for enriching weapons-grade uranium. This development aligns with Kim's ongoing commitment to bolster North Korea's nuclear capabilities in response to perceived military threats from the United States and its allies. The announcement follows a series of actions by North Korea to enhance its military strength, including the inspection of naval destroyers and the expansion of uranium enrichment facilities.

US lawmakers to grill Rubio, as Iran war enters fourth month

US lawmakers to grill Rubio, as Iran war enters fourth month

By Patricia Zengerle WASHINGTON, June 2 (Reuters) - Members of the U.S.

Venezuela's Rodriguez to discuss energy ties during India visit from June 3-7

Venezuela's Rodriguez to discuss energy ties during India visit from June 3-7

NEW DELHI, June 2 (Reuters) - Venezuela's interim President Delcy Rodriguez will visit India from June 3 to June 7, India's foreign ministry said on Tuesday, at a time when New Delhi is ramping up its crude imports from Caracas.

Outgoing Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez Nominated as Brazil Ambassador by President Trump

Outgoing Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez Nominated as Brazil Ambassador by President Trump

Daniel Perez, the outgoing Speaker of the Florida House, has been nominated by President Trump to serve as the United States ambassador to Brazil. This nomination marks a significant transition for Perez, who has been a prominent figure in Florida politics. The role of ambassador to Brazil is a critical diplomatic position, given the strategic and economic ties between the United States and Brazil. Perez's nomination comes as part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to strengthen diplomatic relations with key international partners. The nomination will require confirmation by the U.S. Senate, a process that will involve scrutiny of Perez's qualifications and his vision for U.S.-Brazil relations.

India Increases Venezuelan Oil Imports Amid U.S. Sanctions Easing

India Increases Venezuelan Oil Imports Amid U.S. Sanctions Easing

India has significantly increased its imports of Venezuelan crude oil, positioning Venezuela as a key supplier in India's strategy to diversify its energy sources. This development follows the easing of U.S. sanctions on Venezuela, which has allowed Indian refiners to access Venezuelan oil without the risk of secondary sanctions. Venezuela's crude export volumes have reached their highest level since 2018, marking a recovery from a period of low production. The strategic shift by India comes after disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, which previously carried a significant portion of India's oil supply. The technical characteristics of Venezuelan crude align well with India's refinery infrastructure, which is equipped to process heavy, high-sulfur crude grades.

President Trump Asserts Iran Talks Ongoing Despite State Media Claims of Halt

President Trump Asserts Iran Talks Ongoing Despite State Media Claims of Halt

Negotiations between the United States and Iran have come under scrutiny following conflicting reports about their status. Iranian state media announced that Tehran would cease exchanging messages through intermediaries, citing ongoing ceasefire violations as the reason. In contrast, President Trump stated in an interview with CNBC that he was indifferent to whether negotiations had ended. However, he later posted on Truth Social, asserting that talks are continuing at a 'rapid pace.' This mixed messaging has created uncertainty about the actual state of diplomatic efforts between the two nations.