by the El Reportero’s wire service
Mexican environmentalist Gustavo Castro Soto, key witness in the murder of Honduran leader Berta Caceres, reported today that the hitmen who killed social activist remain at large.
The indigenous and environmental leader Caceres was killed at close rang three days ago at her home, in the southwestern department of Intibuca.
Through an open letter to his friends and colleagues Castro Soto warned that the crime scene was altered and that he fears for his life in Honduras.
He insisted that the government intends to present to the public that the murder of Berta is due to conflicts in her environment, when it should focus on those who threatened to kill her.
The government seeks with its actions to undermine the memory of Berta, the honor and the magnificent fight that COPINH has carried out for many years in the defense of life, territories and human rights, he said.
China and Ecuador agree on visa exemption
The decision to remove the requirement for tourist visa to Chinese citizens who wish to enter Ecuador is based on the excellent bilateral relations, assured the ambassador of the South American nation here, Jose Maria Borja.
In exclusive statements in an interview, the diplomat acknowledged that the measure, which comes into effect on March 1, is also applied by developed countries to attract the Chinese market since the Asian giant has become the country that sends more tourists to different parts of the world.
Ecuador’s decision is directed on the constitutional principles of human mobility and established in the ministerial decree 027 dated on February 24, he explained.
In that sense, he explained that Ecuador will exempt the requirement for entry visas to Chinese citizens for entry, exits or passage through the South American territory for a stay of 90 days maximum, during each period of one year, counted from the date of first entry until their final departure.
However, he clarified that this legislation is related only to activities of the so-called smokeless industry or tourism or nonprofitable purposes, while for those seeking a source of jobs or work permit or to set up any type of business the visa requirement in advance is still maintained.
