As president and head of state of the Republic of Guatemala, I inform the national and international community:
I reject emphatically the intimidation that seeks to frighten Guatemalans. These actions undermine national sovereignty, which fundamentally forbids meddling in the internal affairs of a state.
Given that Guatemala is a democratic republic, her legal framework is driven by the principles of due process, separation and independence of powers, and unrestricted respect for the rule of law. Every national concern must be resolved within this legal framework.
I condemn the political and media manipulation by some US officials against Guatemala, to the detriment of a healthy bilateral relationship. For this reason I ask congressmen from the House and the Senate to exercise their oversight duties by calling on the US State Department to explain its actions towards Guatemala.
I reiterate that the principles of public international law demand active diplomacy that promotes the sovereignty and independence of states, refrains from meddling in internal affairs, and respects the principle of state equality.
The government’s will is to respect the republican principle of power alternation with facts and concrete actions. That includes finalizing a transparent, orderly, and systematic power transition process ahead of January 14, 2024. Its inauguration already has the confirmed presence of some heads of state.
No actions will impede the elected authorities from taking office in Guatemala.
Guatemala, December 12, 2023
Dr. Alejandro Giammattei
President and Head of State of the Republic of Guatemala
Read the original letter here.
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