The ambassador-designate to the Senate said that “El Salvador has no better friend than the United States.”
The US Senate Foreign Relations Committee is conducting interviews this Thursday William Duncan, who is the president of the united states, Joe Biden appointed to El Salvador.
This US legislative model should endorse the ambassador, who has expressed his intention to preserve relations between the US and El Salvador, which are going through one of the lowest moments after the tensions between President Najib Bukele and the Biden administration.
Senator Bob Menendez expressed concern about attacks on democracy by the Salvadoran government and mentioned in front of Duncan attacks on institutions by President Bukele, and even mentioned attacks on Twitter by the Salvadoran president against US Congressman Norma Torres.
See: Joe Biden announces diplomat job as his candidate for ambassador to El Salvador
Ambassador Duncan considered these attacks “unacceptable” and told the senators that if confirmed he would be willing to inform the Salvadoran government of his dissatisfaction.
Duncan also said he hopes to continue using the legal tools available to the United States to make El Salvador see “democracy as the path to prosperity.”
Read also: While Honduran government “rejects” Engel’s list, El Salvador remains silent
I know there are concerns about the strength and direction of democracy in El Salvador. If I am believed, I will always act with respect for the sovereignty and dignity of the government of El Salvador and I will be a defender of democracy and human rights and a fighter against corruption and impunity. These are not just moral duties: they are the best guarantee of future stability and prosperity,” Duncan told senators.
Image courtesy HRE
The official has a 30-year diplomatic career and has served his country in many countries, including El Salvador, Mexico, Colombia and Paraguay.
The United States has included more than 23 Salvadorans on Engel’s list of “anti-democratic and corrupt” actors, including administrative officials from the Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front (FMLN) and ARina, as well as at least four current officials from President Bukele’s inner circle, such as Chief of Staff. Carolina Recinos, director of criminal centers, Osiris Luna, his press secretary, Ernesto Sanabria, and head of his legislature Cristian Guevara.
In addition, the United States has not had an ambassador to El Salvador since January 20, 2021, when Joe Biden took office after defeating Donald Trump in the election. At that time, Ronald Johnson left office. The latter was very close to Najib Bukil despite the massive abuses of power and harassment of his critics and journalists.
The United States suspended diplomatic relations with El Salvador “temporarily” after the former Chargé d’Affairs, Jean Manis, will leave the diplomatic mission in the country At the end of November 2021, Mance said when announcing his departure, “They sent me as a bridge and the government (El Salvador) decided not to take it.”
