Stock Groups

Blinken spoke to Bogota embassy staff affected by Havana syndrome -Breaking

[ad_1]

© Reuters. Antony Blinken (U.S. secretary of state) watches as he meets with young leaders in Bogota on October 21, 2021. REUTERS/Luisa Gonzalez/Pool

Simon Lewis

BOGOTA, (Reuters) –U.S. Secretary Antony Blinken visited Bogota on Thursday to meet with U.S. embassy staff who have been affected by AHIs (also known as Havana syndrome) according to a high ranking state department official.

The Wall Street Journal revealed this month that five families linked to the U.S. Mission in Colombia were affected by “unexplained” health events.

It is thought that around 200 U.S. diplomatic staff, officials, family members, and diplomats overseas have succumbed to the mystery illness. The symptoms include migraines, nausea and memory lapses.

This syndrome first became publicized in 2016, after many diplomats in the U.S. Embassy in Havana, Cuba complained. However, officials have yet to establish the exact cause of the disease or whether it is caused by an antagonist.

Senior State Department officials said that Blinken spoke to the families and staff of the Embassy on Thursday as part of their three-day South American trip.

He stated, “He clarified that he does not consider safety or health a higher priority and stressed that the Department will work to eliminate AHIs from the workplace, offer care for those who are affected and protect colleagues all over the globe.”

According to the official, Blinken met in private with affected parties after the incident.

Biden has come under intense pressure from senators to demonstrate that it’s taking these complaints seriously. A bipartisan group asked Blinken last week to quickly name a new officer to oversee the investigation.

Disclaimer Fusion MediaThis website does not provide accurate and current data. CFDs are stocks, indexes or futures. The prices of Forex and CFDs are not supplied by exchanges. They are instead provided by market makers. As such, the prices might not reflect market values and could be incorrect. Fusion Media is not responsible for trading losses that may be incurred as a consequence of the use of this data.

Fusion MediaFusion Media and anyone associated with it will not assume any responsibility for losses or damages arising from the use of this information. This includes data including charts and buy/sell signal signals. Trading the financial markets is one of most risky investment options. Please make sure you are fully aware about the costs and risks involved.

[ad_2]