The United States government accused Paraguayan Vice President Hugo Velázquez of “significant corruption” and vetoed him access to the country, the head of US diplomacy, Antony Blinken, reported this Friday.
Washington has sanctioned Velázquez and his close collaborator and legal adviser to the Yacyretá Binational Entity, Juan Carlos Duarte, “for their participation in significant acts of corruption, including bribery of a public official and interference in public processes,” Blinken said in a statement. a statement.
Duarte “offered a bribe to a Paraguayan public official to obstruct an investigation that threatened the vice president and his financial interests,” he stressed.
According to the White House, Duarte “abused and exploited his powerful and privileged public position within the Yacyretá Binational Entity, putting public trust in one of Paraguay’s most vital economic assets at risk.”
Yacyretá is a hydroelectric plant built between Paraguay and Argentina on the Paraná River. Velázquez and his collaborator will not be able to opt for a visa to enter the United States.
The official announced this Friday that he will leave his post next week. He will also withdraw his candidacy for the presidency of the country after positioning himself as one of the favorite contenders to succeed President Mario Abdo for the ruling Colorado Party.
