OAS to mediate Guatemala conflict that threatens transfer of power

FILE PHOTO: A demonstrator holds up a Guatemalan national flag during a blockade of the Public Ministry building to demand the resignation of powerful senior prosecutors accused of working to undermine President-elect Bernardo Arevalo's ability to take office, in Guatemala City, Guatemala October 6, 2023. REUTERS/Josue Decavele/File Photo

GUATEMALA CITY (Reuters) - The head of the Organization of American States (OAS) said late on Friday he had accepted an invitation to mediate between Guatemalan officials and street protesters seeking an orderly transfer to power to President-elect Bernardo Arevalo.

In a post on social media, OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro said he accepted the invitation from Guatemala's government, posting a letter from the foreign ministry dated Friday that described the invitation as a means to achieve "consensus among different sectors" of the country.