USA will sanction those who persist in hindering democracy in Guatemala after the inauguration of the president Bernardo Arevalowhose arrival to power was at risk due to the siege of the Prosecutor’s Office.
“It is important to remember that USA has used legal tools [sanciones] what we have to defend democracy, to fight corruption at a global level“said the United States Undersecretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs at a press conference on Monday. Brian A. Nichols.
“We are willing to use these tools in the future against people who hinder democracy in Guatemala“added the official at the National Palace, in the Guatemalan capital.
Nichols is part of the American delegation that attended the inauguration of the social democrat Arévalo, 65 years old. The group was led by the head of USAID, Samantha Powerwho announced that the United States will invest $219 million in development programs this year.
Arévalo was sworn in at dawn this Monday at the National theater after nine hours of delay due to discussions in Congress.
On his tortuous path to the presidency, he faced a judicial siege from the Prosecutor’s Office that even asked for the withdrawal of his immunity, suspension of his Seed movement and consider “null” the elections that he won last year due to alleged electoral anomalies.
At the request of Public ministryled by the attorney general Consuelo Porrasconsidered “corrupt” by Washingtonfour electoral magistrates were stripped of their immunity by Congress in November to be investigated for the alleged irregular purchase of a computer system.
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In response, the United States imposed visa restrictions on 300 Guatemalans for trying to “undermine” democracy, among them a hundred deputies.
“Our purpose is to promote respect for democracy and the fight against corruption“Nichols indicated, referring to possible sanctions.
The official noted, however, that those who “change their attitude, they can regain their visa rights in the future”.