Given the sanctions imposed on seven Guatemalans for alleged cases of corruption, the British ambassador to Guatemala, Juliana Correa – also concurrent for Honduras – talks about the reason for the actions and expectations that the British government has for the country.
On April 2, the United Kingdom announced sanctions to “anti -democratic and corrupt actors from three countries, including Guatemala.” Those indicated will be denied entry to the United Kingdom and will be prevented from maintaining funds or economic resources in that territory.
In Guatemala, the sanctioned are: Alejandro Giammattei, former president of the Republic; María Consuelo Porras, Attorney General; José Curruchiche, head of the Special Prosecutor’s Office against Impunity; Cinthia Monterroso, prosecutor and head of unity of the same Prosecutor’s Office; Ángel Pineda, general secretary of the Public Ministry; Melvin Quijivix, former director of the National Institute of Electrification, and Miguel Martínez, former head of the Government Center during the administration of Giammattei.
Why did the sanctions emit?
The fight against corruption and against illegal finances is a priority of my chancellor, David Lammy, and, of course, of the prime minister, also for the United Kingdom. The sanctions are framed in the context of foreign policy as one of the tools we have.
What we are looking for is to reiterate the commitment that the United Kingdom has against corruption and in support of democracy and the rule of law.
How did they conclude that sanctioned people incurred corruption?
It is a supremely rigorous process, with multidisciplinary teams that involve specialists in sanctions and researchers.
The investigative press plays a fundamental role. This is linked to another of our priorities, which is the defense of press freedom. Of course, there is the support of several lawyers. They are processes that take a long time.
How is the relationship with Guatemala?
It is a supremely strong bilateral relationship, which stands out for a growth history. For example, commercially, it is a supremely positive relationship. It is important to note that sanctions are not sanctions to Guatemala, but to individuals for acts of corruption.
It is a relationship where the trade balance is in favor of Guatemala, which implies that Guatemala exports the United Kingdom much more than the United Kingdom exports to Guatemala.
What products exports Guatemala to the United Kingdom?
One of my favorite success stories is that of Guatemalan avocados. The United Kingdom is a great destination for avocados exports and, of course, for many other agricultural products, including sugar and coffee. The truth is that we continue to see a huge potential so that these exports continue to grow.
Does maintaining that commercial relationship also a reason to issue sanctions?
In the same way, part of the reason why we highlight the importance of drawing attention to corruption spotlights is because we are interested in the business climate in Guatemala to improve, to continue bringing British investment to the country.
We believe there is enormous potential. At this time, according to the latest figures I checked, it seems to me that we are the seventh biggest investor in Guatemala, and we want that to continue growing, that this commercial relationship is used.
We need legal certainty; We need a business climate where investors know that their investment will be safe from the regulatory and legal point of view: an investment climate, basically, healthy.
How do you qualify that legal certainty at this time?
It is worth framing what is needed for an investor to reach Guatemala and see his investment grow. And that goes through many verticals.
It implies security issues from the operation, that is, that the operation is safe to execute. It also covers infrastructure issues. This must be competitive for the merchandise that comes out and enters through the ports, as well as for the one that is mobilized by road.
Conditions are needed in which companies know what are the rules that must comply with and what happens when those rules are not respected.
Will they continue to issue sanctions?
It is not a process that ends definitively, or with certain dates, or with quotas or deadlines. It is a process in which, when there are nominations and robust evidence that demonstrates a case aligned with the priorities of our foreign policy, it works in that sanctions package and is announced.
What we observe in the announcement – with the sanctions – is another step within that strategy of the chancellor around illegal finances and corruption. It is another step in that context; It is not an isolated fact, but a process that remains under constant review. It is a process that is maintained in permanent evaluation.
Are there other profiles that may be analyzed or investigated at this time?
There is always the possibility that more people are designated in the future, but does not proceed at this time of conversation. The announcement that was made was about very specific examples; What happens in the future will be determined by evidence.
The message that is worth reiterating is that neither the corrupt characters, nor their networks, nor their capitals are welcome in the United Kingdom. In no case, wherever they come from.
Do the sanctioned Guatemalans have funds in the United Kingdom?
It is part of the considerations taken into account during the investigation carried out in the process to designate people, but we do not comment on individual cases. The evidence is open and can be consulted, but we do not issue comments on particular situations.