Briefly

VENEZUELA

Caracas, Washington resume diplomatic ties

Venezuela on Thursday announced the restoration of diplomatic and consular relations with the United States. The move comes after a sustained diplomatic dialogue process between the two parties, in which they agreed to resume institutional ties and move toward a new stage of bilateral cooperation. The Venezuelan government indicated that the process will be guided by the principles of mutual respect, the sovereign equality of states and cooperation. It expressed willingness to promote a "constructive dialogue" that will strengthen mutual understanding and offer opportunities for a positive relationship. Venezuela severed diplomatic ties with the United States in January 2019 due to the latter's continued interference in Venezuela's internal affairs. All diplomatic personnel of the US embassy in Venezuela withdrew in March 2019.

UNITED STATES

Homeland Security Secretary Noem fired

US President Donald Trump fired Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Thursday after months of controversy, including the fatal shootings of two US citizens by federal officers in Minneapolis and lawmakers' questions over a $220 million advertising contract. The Republican president said on his Truth Social platform on Thursday that he will tap Oklahoma Senator Markwayne Mullin to replace her by the end of the month. The appointment would require US Senate confirmation. Noem, a former governor of South Dakota, became a high-profile Cabinet secretary with social media posts that harshly portrayed immigrants.

Agencies - Xinhua