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Rubio, Cardin Lead Colleagues in Issuing Bipartisan Statement on Guatemala

Dec 12, 2023 | Comunicados de prensa, Press Releases

On August 20, 2023, Guatemalans democratically elected Bernardo Arévalo as their President and Karin Herrera as their Vice President. They will assume office in January 2024.

U.S. Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Dick Durbin (D-IL) issued a bipartisan statement calling for the respect of the rule of law and a peaceful transition of power to be upheld in Guatemala.

  • “Friday’s announcement by Guatemalan prosecutors to strip President-elect Arevalo of his legal immunity and cast doubt on his January 14, 2024 inauguration is a threat to Guatemala’s democracy. Together, with democratic actors and international organizations from around the world, we stand in solidarity with the people of Guatemala in the defense of the rule of law and democracy.
  • “We urge Attorney General Porras to ensure that the Public Prosecutors Office upholds the Rule of Law, and reject efforts that undermine the peaceful transfer of power. We call on President Giammattei to insist that Guatemalan institutions join with the private sector and civil society to advocate and respect a peaceful transition of power, as expected of every democracy. A commitment to uphold Guatemala’s place among the community of democratic nations will be crucial for the future of U.S.-Guatemala relations.