Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei on Tuesday (April 25) pledged absolute&nbsp;support for Taiwan and said that both countries were important allies. President Giammattei is on a trip to Taiwan. "I want everyone to trust that Guatemala will continue to be a solid diplomatic ally to the Republic of Taiwan and will continue to deepen cooperation in all areas," Giammattei said at a welcoming ceremony outside Taiwan's presidential office and pointed out that Guatemala and Taiwan were "brotherly countries," the news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

The Guatemalan president referred twice to the "Republic of Taiwan", rather than its official name the Republic of China. He ended his speech with a rousing "Long live free Taiwan", receiving a broad smile from Taiwanese President Tsai who thanked him.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-raises-concerns-over-taiwan-amid-talks-with-china-585129">Philippines raises concerns over 'escalating tensions' in Taiwan Strait amid talks with China</a>

Later while addressing Taiwan's parliament, Alejandro Giammattei continued to refer to the "Republic of Taiwan", and won a standing ovation from lawmakers with a further strong message of support, ending that speech with: "Long live Taiwan: free, sovereign and independent".

Guatemala remains one of the 13 countries with official diplomatic ties with Taiwan. Last month, Honduras abandoned Taiwan for China after asking for almost $2.5 billion in aid.

On Monday, senior Guatemalan financial officials said that Guatemala City was not asking for free money from Taiwan and did not owe a debt in the same way Honduras did, but was looking for long-term investment and trade.&nbsp;

Guatemalan Economy Minister Janio Rosales, who accompanied President Giammattei to Taiwan, told Reuters that his country did not have a debt problem with Taiwan but wanted more balanced trade.&nbsp;

"We want to have a better-balanced trade, so what we are promoting is for more investment from enterprises from Taiwan to Guatemala and to extend cooperation between the two countries. It has been a great alliance," Rosales said.&nbsp;

Alvaro Gonzalez Ricci, the governor of Guatemala's central bank, meanwhile, said "I think we can ask Taiwan (for things) but not free money. Maybe they can invest in some bonds of Guatemala for example, and find projects that can last for 25, 30 years, not just donations to certain projects in the short-run."&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-cannot-stockpile-arms-to-defend-taiwan-on-our-military-bases-asserts-philippines-584470">US cannot stockpile arms to defend Taiwan on our military bases, asserts Philippines</a>

Earlier this month, Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen visited Guatemala where she offered more cooperation with Giammattei's government.

Before Giammattei's visit, China- which claims Taiwan as its territory- warned that Guatemala should not help “independence attempts” by Taiwanese authorities.

"The one-China principle is an accepted norm in international relations and a universal consensus of the international community. There is no way for Taiwan's independence. Any move that ignores the world trend and international justice and stubbornly adheres to the wrong position is doomed to failure,"&nbsp;Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said on April 19.

"We would also like to advise the government of Guatemala not to help the evil-doer and go against the international trend and the voice of the Guatemalan people for its own selfish interests," Wenbin added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei on Tuesday (April 25) pledged absolute support for Taiwan and said that both countries were important allies. President Giammattei is on a trip to Taiwan.

Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei on Tuesday (April 25) pledged absolute support for Taiwan and said that both countries were important allies. President Giammattei is on a trip to Taiwan. "I want everyone to trust that Guatemala will continue to be a solid diplomatic ally to the Republic of Taiwan and will continue to deepen cooperation in all areas," Giammattei said at a welcoming ceremony outside Taiwan's presidential office and pointed out that Guatemala and Taiwan were "brotherly countries," the news agency Reuters reported. The Guatemalan president referred twice to the "Republic of Taiwan", rather than its official name the Republic of China. He ended his speech with a rousing "Long live free Taiwan", receiving a broad smile from Taiwanese President Tsai who thanked him. ALSO READ | Philippines raises concerns over 'escalating tensions' in Taiwan Strait amid talks with China Later while addressing Taiwan's parliament, Alejandro Giammattei continued to refer to the "Republic of Taiwan", and won a standing ovation from lawmakers with a further strong message of support, ending that speech with: "Long live Taiwan: free, sovereign and independent". Guatemala remains one of the 13 countries with official diplomatic ties with Taiwan. Last month, Honduras abandoned Taiwan for China after asking for almost $2.5 billion in aid. On Monday, senior Guatemalan financial officials said that Guatemala City was not asking for free money from Taiwan and did not owe a debt in the same way Honduras did, but was looking for long-term investment and trade. Guatemalan Economy Minister Janio Rosales, who accompanied President Giammattei to Taiwan, told Reuters that his country did not have a debt problem with Taiwan but wanted more balanced trade. "We want to have a better-balanced trade, so what we are promoting is for more investment from enterprises from Taiwan to Guatemala and to extend cooperation between the two countries. It has been a great alliance," Rosales said. Alvaro Gonzalez Ricci, the governor of Guatemala's central bank, meanwhile, said "I think we can ask Taiwan (for things) but not free money. Maybe they can invest in some bonds of Guatemala for example, and find projects that can last for 25, 30 years, not just donations to certain projects in the short-run." ALSO READ | US cannot stockpile arms to defend Taiwan on our military bases, asserts Philippines Earlier this month, Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen visited Guatemala where she offered more cooperation with Giammattei's government. Before Giammattei's visit, China- which claims Taiwan as its territory- warned that Guatemala should not help “independence attempts” by Taiwanese authorities. "The one-China principle is an accepted norm in international relations and a universal consensus of the international community. There is no way for Taiwan's independence. Any move that ignores the world trend and international justice and stubbornly adheres to the wrong position is doomed to failure," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said on April 19. "We would also like to advise the government of Guatemala not to help the evil-doer and go against the international trend and the voice of the Guatemalan people for its own selfish interests," Wenbin added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Guatemalan President Giammattei pledges absolute support for Taiwan, says both nations important allies

Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei had a narrow escape after gunmen opened fire on soldiers guarding the leader at a town near the Mexican border. One of the guards is said to be injured.

The brazen attack took place on Saturday when military officials spotted a vehicle approaching the checkpoint that was being guarded during a visit by Giammattei to northwestern.

The occupants of the car&nbsp;launched the assault on the soldiers, who then retaliated. Giammattei was about two&nbsp;kilometres (a mile) away from the site at the time.

"We inform the people of Guatemala and the international community that the president is unharmed and was evacuated from the area in a timely manner," a government statement said, reports Reuters.

One of the gunmen suffered minor injuries during the confrontation. He was shot in the legs during the incident and was taken for medical treatment. He is a Mexican, the statement said.

While the others escaped in their car towards the Mexican border about 80 km (50 miles) away, it said.

According to reports, the area where the encounter took place is frequented by human traffickers and drug smugglers, many of whom work for Mexican gangs.

“Personnel of the Guatemalan army halted a vehicle that approached their location. But the occupants of the vehicle, upon seeing the presence of the military personnel, started firing, to which the soldiers responded, leaving one person wounded while the rest of the occupants of the vehicle escaped in the direction of Mexico,” Rubén Téllez, a spokesman for the Guatemalan army, told AP news agency.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei had a narrow escape after gunmen opened fire on soldiers guarding the leader at a town near the Mexican border. One of the guards is said to be injured.

Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei had a narrow escape after gunmen opened fire on soldiers guarding the leader at a town near the Mexican border. One of the guards is said to be injured. The brazen attack took place on Saturday when military officials spotted a vehicle approaching the checkpoint that was being guarded during a visit by Giammattei to northwestern. The occupants of the car launched the assault on the soldiers, who then retaliated. Giammattei was about two kilometres (a mile) away from the site at the time. "We inform the people of Guatemala and the international community that the president is unharmed and was evacuated from the area in a timely manner," a government statement said, reports Reuters. One of the gunmen suffered minor injuries during the confrontation. He was shot in the legs during the incident and was taken for medical treatment. He is a Mexican, the statement said. While the others escaped in their car towards the Mexican border about 80 km (50 miles) away, it said. According to reports, the area where the encounter took place is frequented by human traffickers and drug smugglers, many of whom work for Mexican gangs. “Personnel of the Guatemalan army halted a vehicle that approached their location. But the occupants of the vehicle, upon seeing the presence of the military personnel, started firing, to which the soldiers responded, leaving one person wounded while the rest of the occupants of the vehicle escaped in the direction of Mexico,” Rubén Téllez, a spokesman for the Guatemalan army, told AP news agency. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Gunmen attack soldiers guarding Guatemalan president near Mexican border, 1 injured

Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei said on Thursday he would veto a bill that seeks to increase abortion penalties to up to 25 years in prison and prohibit same-sex marriage, calling it unconstitutional and in violation of international conventions.

The bill, revived by the conservative Viva Party after being put on ice in 2018, was passed late Tuesday by lawmakers from different parties, including some allies of Giammattei.

"I have spoken with the president of the legislative body to ask that Congress shelve this law, and, if it is not, I have decided that if this law reaches my office it will be vetoed," the president said in a video broadcast on national networks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/guatemala-law-punishes-abortion-with-prison-for-up-to-25-years-460621">Also read |&nbsp;Guatemala law punishes abortion with prison for up to 25 years</a>

Giammattei said the bill had not been backed by his administration and he couldn't support it because it would violate two international conventions of which&nbsp;Guatemala&nbsp;is a signatory as well as the country's constitution.

If passed, it would increase the penalties for abortions from five to 10 years to up to 25 years, ban same-sex marriage and teaching about gender identity or "teaching about sexual conducts apart from heterosexuality as being normal."

The proposal has been criticized by human rights groups, which have taken to the streets in recent days to protest.

The president announced his intentions to veto the bill hours after hosting an event with evangelical pastors in which he declared&nbsp;Guatemala&nbsp;the "pro-life capital of Iberoamerica."

Giammattei's recommendation to sideline the bill will be discussed in Congress next week. If two-thirds of the 160 lawmakers vote to move the bill forward, it will be sent to the president's desk to be vetoed.

Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei said on Thursday he would veto a bill that seeks to increase abortion penalties to up to 25 years in prison and prohibit same-sex marriage, calling it unconstitutional and in violation of international conventions.

Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei said on Thursday he would veto a bill that seeks to increase abortion penalties to up to 25 years in prison and prohibit same-sex marriage, calling it unconstitutional and in violation of international conventions. The bill, revived by the conservative Viva Party after being put on ice in 2018, was passed late Tuesday by lawmakers from different parties, including some allies of Giammattei. "I have spoken with the president of the legislative body to ask that Congress shelve this law, and, if it is not, I have decided that if this law reaches my office it will be vetoed," the president said in a video broadcast on national networks. Also read | Guatemala law punishes abortion with prison for up to 25 years Giammattei said the bill had not been backed by his administration and he couldn't support it because it would violate two international conventions of which Guatemala is a signatory as well as the country's constitution. If passed, it would increase the penalties for abortions from five to 10 years to up to 25 years, ban same-sex marriage and teaching about gender identity or "teaching about sexual conducts apart from heterosexuality as being normal." The proposal has been criticized by human rights groups, which have taken to the streets in recent days to protest. The president announced his intentions to veto the bill hours after hosting an event with evangelical pastors in which he declared Guatemala the "pro-life capital of Iberoamerica." Giammattei's recommendation to sideline the bill will be discussed in Congress next week. If two-thirds of the 160 lawmakers vote to move the bill forward, it will be sent to the president's desk to be vetoed.

Guatemala president vows to veto abortion, same-sex marriage bill

Vice President Kamala Harris told Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei during a virtual call Monday the US will give $310 million in humanitarian relief to Central America, her office said, as the region tackles a wave of migration north.

Harris, who leads President Joe Biden's efforts to address the influx of migrants from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador to the US-Mexico border, met with Giammattei by videoconference, prior to her visit to Central America scheduled for June.&nbsp;

Alsoe see|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/dont-come-us-facing-biggest-migrant-surge-in-20-years-371179">'Don't come': US facing biggest migrant surge in 20 years</a>

The meeting, which was held virtually, was Harris' second conversation with Guatemala's leader in less than a month - a sign of the best opportunity she has to build a partnership in the region. She previously spoke with him on March 30.

Harris has yet to speak with leaders of Honduras and El Salvador.

"We want to work with you... in a way that will bring hope to the people of Guatemala, that there will be an opportunity for them if they stay at home," Harris said, adding that she will visit the region in June.

President Giammattei said Guatemala is looking forward to her visit but wants to reach an agreement on issues before she travels.

"I believe that we should build a roadmap between governments... so that we can reach an agreement... (and) can work on this very hard road that we have ahead of us," he said.

On April 5, Guatemala said it was purchasing 16 million Russian Sputnik V vaccines to inoculate about half the country's population.

Harris' office did not comment on the issue, but an administration official said it was not politically tenable to assure vaccine supplies to other countries before inoculating every American.

Other problems have also emerged. Guatemalan lawmakers recently refused to swear in a corruption-fighting judge, Constitutional Court President Gloria Porras, whom US&nbsp;officials had seen as key to the country's fight against graft.

In addition the meeting on Monday, Harris will also participate in a virtual roundtable with representatives from Guatemalan community based-organizations on Tuesday.

Biden has asked Congress for $861 million to address the causes that drive irregular immigration from Central America, within the framework of his $4 billion plan for the region.&nbsp;

His proposal is included in the budget project for next year that has yet to be discussed and approved by legislators.&nbsp; &nbsp;

More than 172,000 undocumented immigrants, including nearly 19,000 unaccompanied minors, were detained in March at the southern border of the United States, a rise of 71 percent in a month and the highest level in 15 years.&nbsp;

Most of the migrants come from the three countries of the Central American Northern Triangle. That area, vulnerable to natural disasters, was hit by two devastating hurricanes in November and is struggling with the Covid-19 pandemic and a prolonged drought.&nbsp;

Many migrants in recent weeks say they were given new hope by Biden's reversal of the hardline immigration policies of his predecessor Donald Trump.

The changes include allowing unaccompanied children to stay and be united with relatives living inside the United States.

The number of unaccompanied children detained after crossing the border illegally, or trying to sneak through official entry ports, doubled in March from February to 18,890, according to the CBP.

(With inputs from agencies)

Vice President Kamala Harris told Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei during a virtual call Monday the US will give $310 million in humanitarian relief to Central America, her office said, as the region tackles a wave of migration north.

Vice President Kamala Harris told Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei during a virtual call Monday the US will give $310 million in humanitarian relief to Central America, her office said, as the region tackles a wave of migration north. Harris, who leads President Joe Biden's efforts to address the influx of migrants from Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador to the US-Mexico border, met with Giammattei by videoconference, prior to her visit to Central America scheduled for June. Alsoe see| 'Don't come': US facing biggest migrant surge in 20 years The meeting, which was held virtually, was Harris' second conversation with Guatemala's leader in less than a month - a sign of the best opportunity she has to build a partnership in the region. She previously spoke with him on March 30. Harris has yet to speak with leaders of Honduras and El Salvador. "We want to work with you... in a way that will bring hope to the people of Guatemala, that there will be an opportunity for them if they stay at home," Harris said, adding that she will visit the region in June. President Giammattei said Guatemala is looking forward to her visit but wants to reach an agreement on issues before she travels. "I believe that we should build a roadmap between governments... so that we can reach an agreement... (and) can work on this very hard road that we have ahead of us," he said. On April 5, Guatemala said it was purchasing 16 million Russian Sputnik V vaccines to inoculate about half the country's population. Harris' office did not comment on the issue, but an administration official said it was not politically tenable to assure vaccine supplies to other countries before inoculating every American. Other problems have also emerged. Guatemalan lawmakers recently refused to swear in a corruption-fighting judge, Constitutional Court President Gloria Porras, whom US officials had seen as key to the country's fight against graft. In addition the meeting on Monday, Harris will also participate in a virtual roundtable with representatives from Guatemalan community based-organizations on Tuesday. Biden has asked Congress for $861 million to address the causes that drive irregular immigration from Central America, within the framework of his $4 billion plan for the region. His proposal is included in the budget project for next year that has yet to be discussed and approved by legislators. More than 172,000 undocumented immigrants, including nearly 19,000 unaccompanied minors, were detained in March at the southern border of the United States, a rise of 71 percent in a month and the highest level in 15 years. Most of the migrants come from the three countries of the Central American Northern Triangle. That area, vulnerable to natural disasters, was hit by two devastating hurricanes in November and is struggling with the Covid-19 pandemic and a prolonged drought. Many migrants in recent weeks say they were given new hope by Biden's reversal of the hardline immigration policies of his predecessor Donald Trump. The changes include allowing unaccompanied children to stay and be united with relatives living inside the United States. The number of unaccompanied children detained after crossing the border illegally, or trying to sneak through official entry ports, doubled in March from February to 18,890, according to the CBP. (With inputs from agencies)

Kamala Harris vows $310 million US relief as Central America tackles migration

The two contenders to be Guatemala's next president questioned on Saturday the validity of a deal struck by the country's government with the United States that aims to curb the flow of migrants north from Central America.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-announces-controversial-asylum-deal-with-guatemala-238748">US President Donald Trump </a>on Friday said he would drop the threat of economic sanctions against Guatemala after its government agreed to implement new measures aimed at bringing down US asylum claims from migrants fleeing Honduras and El Salvador.

US officials described the deal as a safe third-country agreement, which would make Guatemala a buffer zone for migrants from its Central American neighbours, although the Guatemalan government did not characterize the accord as such.

Guatemala's Constitutional Court had already ruled a safe third-country agreement would need prior approval from the Guatemalan Congress, which is on a summer recess.

That prompted the two candidates contesting a second-round run-off on Aug. 11 to succeed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/guatemala-president-jimmy-morales-calls-off-us-meeting-with-donald-trump-236018">Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales</a> to cast doubt on the deal which Interior Minister Enrique Degenhart signed for Guatemala in Washington.

"There needs to be a thorough analysis of whether the minister had the power to sign an agreement with these international characteristics, and in any case, the agreement has to go to Congress, whoever signed it," said Sandra Torres, the centre-left candidate who led the first round of voting in June.

Torres, who was speaking at a rally in Chichicastenango, north of the capital, ordered lawmakers from her UNE party to summon both Degenhart and Foreign Minister Sandra Jovel to give testimony before Congress on how the deal was brokered.

Her rival for the presidency, conservative Alejandro Giammattei, called the accord "bad news for Guatemala."

"This has opened a rocky road for President Morales because according to the Constitutional Court ruling, that agreement has to pass through Congress," Giammattei told CNN.

Guatemalan human rights groups also criticized the deal, which did, however, receive backing from business associations.

Guatemala's next president will take office in January. 
&nbsp;

The two contenders to be Guatemala's next president questioned on Saturday the validity of a deal struck by the country's government with the United States that aims to curb the flow of migrants north from Central America.

The two contenders to be Guatemala's next president questioned on Saturday the validity of a deal struck by the country's government with the United States that aims to curb the flow of migrants north from Central America. US President Donald Trump on Friday said he would drop the threat of economic sanctions against Guatemala after its government agreed to implement new measures aimed at bringing down US asylum claims from migrants fleeing Honduras and El Salvador. US officials described the deal as a safe third-country agreement, which would make Guatemala a buffer zone for migrants from its Central American neighbours, although the Guatemalan government did not characterize the accord as such. Guatemala's Constitutional Court had already ruled a safe third-country agreement would need prior approval from the Guatemalan Congress, which is on a summer recess. That prompted the two candidates contesting a second-round run-off on Aug. 11 to succeed Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales to cast doubt on the deal which Interior Minister Enrique Degenhart signed for Guatemala in Washington. "There needs to be a thorough analysis of whether the minister had the power to sign an agreement with these international characteristics, and in any case, the agreement has to go to Congress, whoever signed it," said Sandra Torres, the centre-left candidate who led the first round of voting in June. Torres, who was speaking at a rally in Chichicastenango, north of the capital, ordered lawmakers from her UNE party to summon both Degenhart and Foreign Minister Sandra Jovel to give testimony before Congress on how the deal was brokered. Her rival for the presidency, conservative Alejandro Giammattei, called the accord "bad news for Guatemala." "This has opened a rocky road for President Morales because according to the Constitutional Court ruling, that agreement has to pass through Congress," Giammattei told CNN. Guatemalan human rights groups also criticized the deal, which did, however, receive backing from business associations. Guatemala's next president will take office in January.

Guatemalan presidential candidates question US migration deal

Guatemalans on Sunday (June 16) voted for a new president, who will face the daunting challenge of curbing drug gang violence that has ravaged the country and helped spur illegal immigration to the United States, stoking tensions with President Donald Trump.

Polls close in Guatemala presidential race as secound round looks likely