U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio lauded President Trump’s offer to take control of Gaza for redevelopment as generous. Rubio detailed operational changes at USAID due to employee noncompliance and discussed Guatemala’s agreement to accept more migrant deportations from the U.S. The evolving immigration policies directly impact Guatemala’s economy reliant on remittances, amidst criticism of being a “safe third country.”
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described President Donald Trump’s proposal to assume control of Gaza and transform it into a prosperous region as a “generous” offer. Rubio clarified that the proposal was not intended to be hostile, stating, “It was meant as a, I think, a very generous move.” He emphasized the dire state of Gaza, likening it to a natural disaster due to unexploded munitions and debris, which complicates living conditions while reconstruction is underway.
During a press conference in Guatemala City, Rubio discussed the recent restructuring taking place within the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). He expressed disappointment that the initial intention to maintain USAID operations had to be adjusted due to a lack of cooperation among employees. Rubio remarked, “It’s not the direction I wanted it. It’s not the way we wanted to do it initially, but it is the way we will have to do it now.”
Rubio’s trip to Central America, focusing primarily on immigration, coincided with a new agreement between Guatemala and the United States concerning migrant deportations. Following discussions with Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo, the officials announced increased flights for deportees. President Arévalo confirmed, “We have agreed to increase by 40% the number of flights of deportees from our nationality as well as deportees from other nationalities.”
Guatemala is adapting to the U.S. administration’s immigration policies, as remittances significantly contribute to the nation’s economy. President Arévalo previously criticized the notion of Guatemala as a “safe third country” but has not dismissed future cooperation on similar agreements, saying, “We are not a safe third country, nobody has proposed it.”
As the USAID undergoes significant changes, most overseas personnel are being recalled following a Trump administration directive, indicating a potential shift in U.S. foreign aid strategy. The implications of Trump’s mass deportation approach could adversely affect Guatemalan society, reliant on financial inflows from its citizens abroad.
The article discusses recent comments made by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding President Trump’s proposal for the U.S. to take ownership of Gaza and aid in its redevelopment. It also highlights the challenges faced by team members at USAID due to administrative changes and the implications of U.S. immigration policy on Central American nations, particularly Guatemala. These discussions occurred in the context of Rubio’s diplomatic tour focused on managing regional immigration issues.
In conclusion, Secretary Rubio’s remarks underline the U.S. government’s intent to assist in Gaza’s redevelopment while also addressing significant changes within USAID operations amid growing immigration concerns in Central America. The collaboration between the U.S. and Guatemala signifies a shift in dealing with deportations and illustrates the complexities of U.S. foreign policy in the region.
Original Source: www.dailycamera.com
