The US State Department has added three Paraguayan nationals to its list of significantly corrupt officials just one day after signing a new arrangement with the South American country whereby military engineers would assist in future waterway developments.
Former Paraguayan President Horacio Cartes and current Vice President Hugo Velázquez have ties to the terrorist group Hezbollah, US Ambassador to Asunción Marc Ostfield said Thursday during a press conference.
Paraguay's President Mario Abdo Benìtez reshuffled the country's Armed Forces brass before leaving for Montevideo Friday. Among those relieved from duty was Navy Chief Admiral Carlos Dionisio Velázquez, brother of Vice President Hugo Velázquez, who has been listed by the United States among the most corrupt politicians in the region.
The US Undersecretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Mark Wells Wednesday said in Asunción that his country would undertake further action beyond declaring Paraguayan Vice President Hugo Velázquez and former President Horacio Cartés as significantly corrupt.
Paraguay's Public Prosecutor's Office Tuesday announced it would launch an investigation into the allegations of the United States Embassy in Asunción whereby Vice President Hugo Velázquez and his family were added to the State Department's list of significantly corrupt individuals.
Paraguayan President Mario Abdo Benítez believes Vice President Hugo Velázquez should resign and avoid his impeachment in which his political opponents from within their own Colorado Party might seek to splash the head of state.
After announcing last week that he would resign, Paraguayan Vice President Hugo Velazquez conveyed to reporters Thursday his decision to remain in office until proof against him is submitted.
Since Paraguayan Vice President Hugo Velázquez is yet to resign from his post, which he had vowed to do Friday after being added by the United States to the list of significantly corrupt individuals, Senator Martín Arévalo stressed that the Lower House would have to move on with the impeachment procedures.
Paraguayan Vice President Hugo Velázquez Friday announced in a radio interview that he would be resigning his job and stepping down from the presidential race after being added by the United States to the list of people significantly corrupt, where he joined former President Horacio Cartés.