MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Washington expresses full support for Paraguayan president Lugo

US Ambassador Ayalde call for an end to partisan politics

United States explicitly expressed support for Paraguayan president Fernando Lugo and his administration in response to some “instability” rumours which are “not positive” for the country.

“As the representative of the US government we want to extend our full support to the Paraguayan national government. We are aware that some actors are promoting instability with bombs and attitudes which are not positive for the country”, said Ambassador Liliana Ayalde following a meeting with President Lugo Monday afternoon.

She added that the instability threats are not positive for the country or for “the process which began on April 20 last year”, when a catch-all coalition led by former bishop Lugo defeated the incumbent Colorado party which had ruled Paraguay for the last 61 years, both as an authoritarian regime and as a budding democracy.

“It’s a time to unify criteria, leave aside partisan politics and individual aspirations”, insisted Ambassador Ayalde. She said Paraguayans need to search for unity because there’s too much to be done in the country and called on the political establishment.

“We expect politicians to act maturely, that they unite in this process so important for Paraguay”, said the US official. “There’s too much to be done, patience is needed and we trust there will be a mature reaction so the country can advance in an institutional framework, avoiding all these intentions, diluting conflict outbreaks. I repeat there must be a unified criterion”.

Ms Ayalde visit to President Lugo was unexpected and she admitted having requested the interview given the marches and protests scheduled for this week as well as a congressional attempt to impeach the President.

Lugo has been politically weakened by the several paternity claims he faces (dating back to when he was a Catholic bishop) and the slow pace of his administration in tackling the many issues that need to be addressed and expectations created with his election a year ago.

Furthermore last week Lugo returned from Brazil where he met with his counterpart Lula da Silva expecting some advances in the long dispute over the Itaipú power sharing, with empty hands.

Ambassador Ayalde also met with Finance minister Dionisio Borda to continue with the implementation of bilateral trade and investment accords with the US.

“We have full confidence in the political and economic performance of Paraguay”, said the US official.