Mark Wells, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Department of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs of the United States, visited our country and held a series of political meetings on Wednesday. One of the meetings took place at the headquarters of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) with a delegation of senators made up of; Óscar “Cachito” Salomón, president of Congress, Lilian Samaniego, Patrick Kemper, Jorge Querey and Salyn Buzarquis.
At the end of the meeting, Querey gave a conference where he gave details about what was discussed. He stated that the undersecretary made clear his concern on certain issues. He said Wells cautioned against using other resources such as asset blocking and support from the Justice Department to combat corruption in our country. “We have commented on the number of cases frozen by the prosecution and the discretion that exists. Do not be naive, they have more information than us. ”, he expressed.
He explained that a range of projects were discussed, in addition, they discussed money laundering, drug trafficking and institutional fragility. “There was no conclusion. We also discussed significantly corrupt statements. And if they will be accompanied by other expressions. What they said is that they have a series of measures to implement, ”she reported.
BUZARCHIS
Salyn Buzarquis, a national senator for the PLRA, pointed out that several projects were discussed, such as the shooting down of small planes, the contracting law, and more. Subsequently, organized crime and money laundering were discussed. “I reported that the great enemy of Paraguayan democracy is Horacio Cartes, a person who controls the Prosecutor’s Office, Justice, a person who bribes deputies and senators, weakens institutions, the police, a person who destroys the market, buying companies , which distorts the economy with unfair competition”, he pointed out.
Wells’ promise was to continue with a frontal fight against organized crime and money laundering and that the United States Government will continue to take action. “In addition to the designation of significantly corrupt and the withdrawal of visas, there will be progress,” he noted. The legislator commented that Wells was not specific about what measures they will take. He maintained that the United States will continue to fight against money laundering whoever is the protagonist. “I think they have a roadmap and they will continue to take other steps, I don’t think Wells’ visit is going to be a tourist visit,” he said.
