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(CNN Spanish) - The elected president of Guatemala, Alejandro Giammattei, announced Monday that when he takes office he will break any relationship with the government of the besieged president of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro. Giammattei, who will take office on January 14, 2020 and will remain in office until 2024, did not specify whether there will be any action against the diplomats of the South American country.
When asked about the announcement, Giammattei told CNN: “As for what we will do, we have already said it. We will proceed to recognize the government headed by President Guiadó and his Ambassador. We will have no relationship with Mr. Maduro. ” He even warned that "we will work because there are democratic elections and institutionality is restored in Venezuela."
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Giammattei's announcement comes hours after a diplomatic conflict broke out between the governments of El Salvador and Venezuela. On Saturday, November 2, President Nayib Bukele reported on the expulsion of the diplomatic corps appointed by Maduro, because he does not approve his legitimacy. The president gave them 48 hours to leave El Salvador. In turn, the Venezuelan leader responded in the same way and expelled the Salvadoran diplomatic delegation.
In recent days both leaders have questioned each other, both in public statements, and in their respective social networks.
Giammattei's announcement appears as a form of support for his counterpart in El Salvador. When CNN asked him about the issue, the elected president replied: "It is the decision of a government that must be respected by other states."
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In May 2018, President Jimmy Morales expelled the Venezuelan ambassador, Elena Alicia Salcedo, for alleged interference in state affairs. Although Morales did not break relations with Venezuela, the Venezuelan ambassador left the country without giving statements.
María Teresa Romero, was appointed as Venezuelan ambassador to Guatemala and on behalf of Juan Guaidó. The diplomat has been backed by the current government, according to what the Guatemalan Foreign Ministry confirmed to CNN.