MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Iran’s president adds Guatemala to his tour of four Latin American countries

Retired Army general Otto Perez takes office 14 January

Iran’s President Mahmud Ahmadineyad who is scheduled to begin next week a tour of several Latin American countries will also be attending the inauguration of Guatemalan president Otto Perez next 14 January according to future Foreign Affairs minister Harold Caballerso.

“The president of Iran has confirmed his attendance to the ceremony of President Perez” said Caballero speaking with the local press.

Conservative Otto Perez, a retired Army general has promised law and order in a country ravaged by rampant crime under the influence of organized gangs and drug cartels.

However the future Guatemalan minister gave no further details as to how long the Iranian leader was going to stay or the agenda while in the country.

So far eleven presidents from Latin America and the Caribbean, plus Felipe de Borbón, heir to the Spanish crown have confirmed attendance.

Among the heads of state are Felipe Calderón from Mexico; Leonel Fernandez from Dominican Republic; Venezuela’s Hugo Chavez; Ecuador’s Rafael Correa plus all other Central American leaders.

Otto Perez takes over from Social Democrat Alvaro Colom for a four year period with no chance of re-election.

Ahmadineyad is scheduled to visit, Cuba, Nicaragua, Ecuador and Venezuela.