By Blessing Chinagorom
The United State through the State Department has designated Alejandro Eduardo Giammattei Falla, former president of Guatemala, as generally ineligible for entry into the United States due to his involvement in significant corruption.
In a statement released by the Spokesperson, Mathew Miller stating that the State Department has credible information indicating that Giammattei accepted bribes.
In exchange for performance of his public functions during his tenure as president of Guatemala, actions that undermined the rule of law and government transparency.
Adding that the United States has made clear that it stands with Guatemalans who seek accountability for corrupt actors.
It stated further that over the past three years, we have taken steps to impose visa restrictions or sanctions on nearly 400 individuals, including public officials, private sector representatives.
And their family members for engaging in corrupt activities or undermining democracy or the rule of law in Guatemala.
While noted that corruption weakens the rule of law and democratic institutions, enables impunity, fuels irregular migration, hampers economic prosperity, and curtails the ability of governments to respond effectively to their people’s needs.
The United States remains committed to strengthening transparency and governance in Guatemala and throughout the Western Hemisphere and it will continue to use all available tools to promote accountability for those who undermine it.
These public designations are made under Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2023, as carried forward by the Continuing Appropriations Act.
The Department is also designating his adult daughter, Ana Marcela Dinorah Giammattei Caceres, his adult son, Alejandro Eduardo Giammattei Caceres, and his adult son, Stefano Giammattei Caceres, as generally ineligible for entry into the United States, in accordance with U.S. law.