President Bernardo Arévalo expanded, during a press conference this Monday, June 1, details of what Guatemala looks to the agreement with the United States to combat drug trafficking.
The president indicated that the Government has developed a close relationship with the United States in the fight against drug trafficking and organized crime.
He recalled that, thanks to the collaboration established with the current government of Guatemala, the prohibition on military sales to Guatemala was released, which reflects the nature of joint work in captures, seizures and interception of drugs at sea, among other actions.
He explained that the agreement that is still being discussed with the United States is based on the fact that the US Government has expressed its willingness to increase and intensify the levels of collaboration with “those countries that are willing on their part to increase the effort against drugs and that is where we agree.”
He said that the war against drug trafficking has been reflected in specific cases, such as arrests, extraditions and the recent dismantling of a drug laboratory.
“It is not intentions that we are discussing, but rather concrete elements,” he stated.
He added that they discuss how the United States Department of War can support Guatemala’s efforts in the fight against drug trafficking.
He reported that the Minister of Defense of Guatemala, Henry Saenz, has had a series of meetings with the US Government about this collaboration.
Arévalo recalled his telephone communication with the United States Secretary of War to agree on the terms of this collaboration.
Subsequently there was a letter of request that was made public. In the letter, the Minister of Defense explains the request for collaboration that Guatemala makes to the United States to carry out combined military operations against drug trafficking.
To read more: Guatemala enters the radar of the new US anti-drug strategy
He explained that there will be changes in intensity, in the level of equipment support, in training, and in the quality and type of equipment that will be received and that it will be placed at the disposal of the Guatemalan military forces.
“We are asking for greater support in military equipment to conduct operations, in training and training, in accompaniment of experts for planning strategic operations and planning tactical operations. We are working hard to integrate intelligence exchange and integrate our devices to have the best possible intelligence,” he stated.
He reiterated that they sent the letter and now Guatemala is waiting for a response.
Four requests that Guatemala made
Arévalo reiterated that what was discussed in the collaboration is fundamentally in four areas: material for operations, for example, night vision equipment; training and qualification of the Guatemalan teams in charge of operations; support of experts for the design of operations, and intelligence.
The president said that they are discussing whether the weapons and equipment will be purchased, loaned, donated or otherwise.
The information was shared in a supervision activity on a stretch of road at kilometer 29 of the route to El Salvador.
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