Individuals sanctioned for illicit activities must not be allowed to jeopardise U.S. relationship – Congresswoman
U.S. Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar has added her voice to growing concerns about political interference and threats to democracy in Guyana, issuing a warning against individuals “sanctioned for illicit activities” who may undermine the South American nation’s democratic future.
“We remain deeply concerned about efforts to undermine democracy in Guyana,” Salazar wrote in a statement posted to social media.
“As a strategic ally of the United States, Guyana deserves leaders who respect democratic values. Individuals sanctioned for illicit activities must not be allowed to jeopardise this vital relationship.”
Though she did not name anyone directly, her remarks come just one day after fellow U.S. Congressman Carlos Gimenez publicly labelled Guyanese presidential hopeful Azruddin Mohamed a “pro-Maduro puppet.”
Gimenez accused Mohamed of being part of a Venezuelan-backed attempt to interfere in Guyana’s electoral process.
“In the U.S. Congress we are alarmed by the regime in Venezuela’s attempt to undermine Guyana through its pro-Maduro puppet candidate Azruddin Mohamed, who is sanctioned by OFAC,” Gimenez said, referring to the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control.
Azruddin, who is the presidential candidate for the newly launched We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, is listed among individuals sanctioned by OFAC.
According to the U.S. government, Mohamed and his father Nazar Mohamed were sanctioned for alleged involvement in gold smuggling and money laundering schemes with transnational implications.
Their company, Mohamed’s Enterprise, was also included in the sanctions.
