Deputy Secretary Verma’s Meeting with OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro

The following is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Deputy Secretary Richard Verma met with Organization of American States Secretary General Luis Almagro today in Guatemala City to discuss the need for a peaceful transition of power in Guatemala.  Deputy Secretary Verma noted the full commitment of the United States to support the will of the Guatemalan people in electing Bernardo Arévalo as the country’s next president.  He reaffirmed that the United States stands with our partners in the international community, including the OAS, to support the Guatemalan people in rejecting efforts to undermine Guatemala’s democracy.  The United States and the Organization of American States are united in support of stronger democratic institutions in Guatemala and throughout the Americas, reflective of our shared interest in upholding the principles of the Inter-American Democratic Charter.