Secretary of State Marco Rubio characterized President Trump’s proposal to “own” Gaza and transform it into a tourist hub as “generous”. He addressed operational issues at USAID and discussed a new immigration agreement with Guatemala, highlighting the challenges of managing deportations and regional cooperation on immigration policies.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that President Donald Trump had presented a “generous” proposal to take responsibility for Gaza’s redevelopment, envisioning it as the “Riviera of the Middle East.” During a news conference in Guatemala City, he remarked, “It was not meant as a hostile move,” but rather as a means to address the severe living conditions in Gaza due to hazards such as unexploded munitions and rubble. Rubio emphasized the need for interim housing for residents during the reconstruction process.
Furthermore, Rubio discussed the operational challenges faced by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), noting a lack of cooperation and instances of insubordination from employees, which led to a decision to withdraw nearly all overseas personnel under Trump’s recent directives. He remarked, “It is 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.”
As part of his diplomatic efforts, Rubio also addressed immigration issues with Guatemala’s President Bernardo Arévalo. Their agreement includes Guatemala accepting deportees from other nations, which will be executed at U.S. expense. The increase in deportation flights aims to facilitate the expulsion of migrants, a key focus of Rubio’s visit to Central America.
Arévalo, while cooperating with the deportation agreement, emphasized the necessity for a more comprehensive regional approach to immigration as previous agreements were insufficient. He acknowledged existing cooperation but indicated a desire to devise a more effective strategy moving forward.
The discussion about Trump’s proposal for Gaza comes amid ongoing conflicts and humanitarian concerns in the region. Rubio’s comments highlight the U.S. government’s involvement in international aid and relations, particularly in areas significantly affected by conflict. Furthermore, the recent shifts in USAID operations reflect broader changes in U.S. foreign policy under Trump’s administration and underline the complexities facing aid agencies. The emphasis on immigration reflects ongoing challenges in managing deportations and international agreements in Central America, particularly concerning remittances that are crucial for local economies.
In summary, Secretary of State Marco Rubio portrayed President Trump’s proposal for Gaza as a positive initiative aimed at reconstruction rather than confrontation. The discussion also illuminated current challenges within USAID and the broader implications of immigration agreements with Central American countries, emphasizing the need for more effective policies. Overall, the remarks indicate a shift in U.S. foreign aid strategies amidst ongoing geopolitical concerns.
Original Source: www.sgvtribune.com
