Secretary General of SICA in Belize on working visit

Juan Daniel Aleman Gurdian

Secretary General Juan Daniel Aleman Gurdian of the Central American Integration System (SICA) ended a brief working visit to Belize this afternoon during which he met with Foreign Affairs Minister Wilfred Elrington.  Their discussion included a range of issues and regional initiatives such as the establishment of a SICA office here in Belize.  Following the meeting Aleman met with the local media where he was asked to give SICA’s position on a recent proposal made by Guatemalan President Otto Perez Molina, before other regional leaders, to legalize drug consumption and establish a route for narco-trafficking.  Aleman was circumspect in his responses, stating only that the Guatemalan president simply outlined an alternative solution to the ever-increasing drug problem affecting the region.

Juan Daniel Aleman Gurdian, Secretary General, SICA

“Well it was a good opportunity to speak about the initiative of the president of Guatemala and I hope it will continue in the next weeks or days, of course.”

Adele Ramos, Amandala Press

“And on the issue of decriminalization?”

Juan Daniel Aleman Gurdian

“Well that’s one of the alternatives that is proposed but it’s not the only one.  There are other alternatives, yes.”

Adele Ramos

“Okay.  So what other alternatives do you think the region should be looking at, at this time?”

Juan Daniel Aleman Gurdian

“Well I’m not going to comment because this is a matter for the leadership of Central America so I prefer to [speak] further on the initiative so it is totally understandable that one person of the SICA system wants to speak about one initiative, of course.”