Former comedian Jimmy Morales inaugurated as Guatemala President January 15, 2016 - 08:49 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Guatemalan former TV comedian Jimmy Morales has been inaugurated as the country's new president, BBC News reports. He was elected in October after huge anti-corruption demonstrations that led to the prosecution of a former president and vice-president. Morales has no previous experience in government. In his inaugural address, he promised to fight against corruption. U.S. Vice-President Joe Biden attended the ceremony. It was the first time in 30 years that such a high-ranking American official was present at a Guatemalan inauguration. In a wide-ranging speech, Morales praised the anti-corruption movement and said Guatemala was going through a "renaissance". He also promised money for health and education. His critics said President Morales gave few clues as to how he was going to fight corruption and how he was going to deal with Guatemala's high levels of violence, poverty and social inequality. Last week legal proceedings began against an aide to Morales who is suspected of human rights abuses related to Guatemala's long and bloody armed conflict which ended in 1996. Fourteen former military officers - many supporters of Morales's party - were arrested on similar charges. Morales has denied links to the former military officials.  Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot".   Partner news |  Latest news Get Started: An educational platform for young startuppers  The Get Started program which operates in two phases is an important platform for young startuppers.Byblos Bank Armenia celebrates Students' Day with scholarship recipients YSU students who received scholarships from Byblos Bank Armenia gathered in a casual setting to meet with the Bank's CEO, Hayk Stepanyan.Armenia border residents dissatisfied with delimitation Residents Kirants are dissatisfied with the results of the delimitation of the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan.“Great success”: Pashinyan pleased with new border protocol Pashinyan has described the signing by Armenia and Azerbaijan of a protocol on delimitation in Tavush as “a great success”. |
