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U.S. Department of State Office of the Spokesman Press Statement

Press Statement by James P. Rubin, Spokesman
March 23, 1999

Murder of Paraguayan Vice President Argana

The government of the United States expresses its sincere condolences to the government and people of Paraguay and especially to the family of Paraguayan Vice President Luis Maria Argana. Vice President Argana was shot and killed by unknown assailants on the morning of March 23. There have been no claims of responsibility.

The United States strongly condemns the murder of Vice President Argana. There is absolutely no place for violence in the democratic process. We urge all Paraguayans to renounce the use of violence as a means of resolving political differences and to adhere to legal and constitutional norms.

We urge the government of Paraguay to conduct a thorough and vigorous investigation to bring to justice all those responsible for this heinous act.

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