(AGENPARL) - Roma, 19 Luglio 2023 - (AGENPARL) – mer 19 luglio 2023 [State Department Seal]
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesperson
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For Immediate Release
STATEMENT BY MATTHEW MILLER, SPOKESPERSON
July 19, 2023
Third Annual Transmission of the Section 353 Report to Congress
Today, the Secretary of State transmitted a report to Congress required by Section 353 of the United States–Northern Triangle Enhanced Engagement Act, as amended, and announced 10 Guatemalan, 10 Honduran, 13 Nicaraguan, and six Salvadoran individuals as identified on this year’s iteration of the Section 353 Corrupt and Undemocratic Actors list.
Corruption and other practices that undermine democracy in Central America lead to instability and drive irregular migration. Vice President Harris continues to oversee the Strategy to Address the Root Causes of Migration from Central America, which prioritizes combatting corruption and supporting the rule of law.
This list identifies individuals who have knowingly engaged in acts that undermine democratic processes or institutions, in significant corruption, or in obstruction of investigations into such acts of corruption in Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and El Salvador. Consistent with Section 353 of the United States–Northern Triangle Enhanced Engagement Act, as amended, persons on the list are generally ineligible for visas and admission to the United States.
The United States seeks to support Central Americans in their efforts to secure a democratic, prosperous, and safe region where individuals participate in, and benefit from, the democratic process, have confidence in public institutions, and enjoy economic and social opportunities. We continue to use all available tools to promote accountability towards corrupt actors and those who undermine democratic governance.
We call on all leaders, civil society actors, journalists, the private sector, and the international community to join in this effort to strengthen democratic governance and end corruption.
The list is published in the Federal Register.
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