Paraguay Orders US Ambassador to Depart

The Paraguayan government has requested the expedited departure of U.S. Ambassador Marc Ostfield in response to U.S. sanctions against Tabacalera del Este, a tobacco company linked to former President Horacio Cartes. The move escalates diplomatic tensions between the two nations, with Foreign Minister Rubén Ramírez Lezcano stating that the ambassador's statements regarding the sanctions have politicized the matter and could damage bilateral relations. The U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control had reaffirmed sanctions against Tabesa, citing its connections to Cartes, who has been accused of significant corruption but denies all allegations. Paraguay, emphasizing its historical alliance with the U.S., seeks to maintain trust amid these tensions. The request for Ostfield's departure is seen as a protest against the perceived overreach of U.S. policy regarding local matters. The U.S. Embassy acknowledged the discussions held but did not comment on the departure request.