Tensions Rise between Colombia, Guatemala on Accusation Against Defense Minister

By Ahmad El-Assasy

Tuesday saw a deterioration in relations between Colombia and Guatemala as the latter pulled back its ambassador to Bogota.

In response to Colombian President Gustavo Petro ordering his ambassador to Guatemala to return after the Guatemalan Prosecutor's Office accused Colombian Defense Minister Ivan Velasquez of criminal conduct, the Foreign Ministry made the decision to recall Reagan Vega Santizo public.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs regrets that the Colombian government is turning a legal matter into a political one by making rash decisions without taking the necessary diplomatic precautions "In a statement, it was added. "In light of this, we have determined to recall the Guatemalan ambassador to Colombia through reciprocity.

Velasquez will face charges for allegedly acting illegally while leading a UN anti-corruption investigation group in Guatemala, according to Rafael Curruchiche, the head of the Special Prosecutor's Office Against Impunity in Guatemala.

Valasquez was chosen in 2013 to lead the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICG), which prosecuted three former presidents and charged more than 1,500 individuals with corruption, including politicians, judges, and businesses. Due to hostilities with President Jimmy Morales, who terminated the commission's 12-year tenure, Velasquez was forced to depart Guatemala.

In an official statement, Curruchiche stated that the country would require Velasquez to "account for his illegal and abusive activities" while serving as the president of CICG in connection with an alleged case of corruption involving the Odebrecht construction corporation in Brazil.

For delaying inquiries into instances of corruption, Curruchiche received sanctions from the US in 2021.

Late on Monday, Petro, who supported Velasquez, summoned the ambassador Victoria Gonzalez back. Petro stated he "would never consent to our Minister Velasquez's arrest warrant.

"He demonstrated a willingness to combat corruption, and we will not allow corruption to victimise him. The moment our ambassador is called for consultation, "Petro tweeted something.

After arriving in Switzerland for the World Economic Forum in Davos, Petro told reporters, "If Guatemala keeps on imprisoning fine guys, we have no business with that country."