WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, along with Senators Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) issued the following statement calling for the rule of law and peaceful transfer of power to be upheld in Guatemala in the lead up to President-elect Bernardo Arévalo’s January 2024 inauguration.
“Friday’s announcement by Guatemalan prosecutors to strip President-elect Arévalo 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 Prosecutor’s Office upholds the rule of law and rejects efforts that undermine the peaceful transfer of power. We call on President Giammattei to advocate that Guatemalan institutions join with the private sector and civil society to support 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.”
###