By Sofia Menchu
GUATEMALA CITY (Reuters) – The U.S. threatens sector-based sanctions against Guatemala if democratic processes are not upheld, warns a top U.S. official amidst a dispute surrounding the recent presidential election.
The U.S., along with several other countries, has accused the current Guatemalan authorities of obstructing the inauguration of president-elect Bernardo Arevalo. This controversy has led to widespread protests across the nation.
In an exclusive radio interview on Tuesday during his visit to Central America, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, Brian Nichols, revealed that Washington may impose targeted sanctions while collaborating with the United Nations or the Organization of American States to “defend the democratic process.”
“We have various measures at our disposal to handle a rupture in the democratic order, similar to what we have done in other nations,” Nichols stated in his conversation with Emisoras Unidas radio, although he did not specify the sectors that could be affected.
Arevalo, a center-left politician and the son of a former president, achieved a resounding victory in August by campaigning on an anti-corruption agenda. He is scheduled to assume office on Jan. 14.
Departing President Alejandro Giammattei alleged that foreign governments are financially supporting the country-wide protests causing disruptions.
Nichols vehemently denied any involvement of the U.S. in financing the protests, dismissing the claims as “baseless and offensive.”
Despite his visit to Guatemala this week, Nichols was unable to meet with Giammattei, who deemed it “inconvenient.” Instead, the U.S. official held talks with the foreign minister. Nichols also engaged with local business, civil society, and Indigenous leaders.
Initially peaceful, the protests in Guatemala featured participants organizing dances and yoga classes at road blockades. However, the situation escalated into violence, resulting in the death of one individual in clashes with armed groups last week. Many blockades have since been lifted.
The primary demands of the protests revolve around the resignation of Guatemala’s attorney general. The attorney general’s office has raised suspicions regarding the authenticity of signatures presented by Arevalo’s Semilla Party to register party members, leading to intensified investigations. Semilla Party has denied these allegations.
(Reporting by Sofia Menchu; Writing by Sarah Morland; Editing by Marguerita Choy)
