By Daniela Desantis

Horacio Cartes, former president of Paraguay and pre-candidate for the presidency of the National Republican Association (ANR), talks with the media after votin in his party’s primary election at a poll station in Asuncion, Paraguay, December 18, 2022. REUTERS/Cesar Olmedo Purchase Licensing Rights , opens new tab

ASUNCION, Oct 6 (Reuters) – Former Paraguayan President Horacio Cartes said on Monday that the United States Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) had lifted sanctions imposed on him two years ago for his involvement in acts of alleged corruption.

The announcement followed a statement on the OFAC’s website in which the former president and several of his companies were removed from a list of what the OFAC calls “specially designated nationals.”

The OFAC had slapped Cartes with sanctions in 2023, citing “rampant corruption,” which the former leader has repeatedly denied.

“With humility and satisfaction I receive the news of the lifting of the OFAC sanctions that weighed on me,” Cartes said Monday in a statement on X.

Cartes, who governed Paraguay between 2013 and 2018, is considered the political mentor of the country’s current President Santiago Pena. Cartes still heads the ruling Colorado Party and has significant influence in Pena’s government.

The United States had accused Cartes of participating in corrupt activities before, during and after his term as president, and of obstructing a major international investigation into translational crime to protect himself.

“I extend recognition to the government of the United States, led by President Donald Trump, for having acted with objectivity and a sense of justice in reviewing all relevant circumstances and the merits of my defense,” Cartes added.

In addition to maintaining Paraguay’s alliance with Taiwan despite growing domestic calls to recognize China, Pena has shown strong support for U.S. initiatives in international forums, including his support for Israel during the war in Gaza.

Pena on Monday said via X: “We celebrate this decision by the Government of the United States and reaffirm our commitment to work ever more closely together.”

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