US sanctions Paraguay vice president over 'corruption'

The United States sanctioned the vice president of Paraguay, Hugo Velazquez, over "significant corruption," barring him from entering the country.

Velazquez and close associate Juan Carlos Duarte were accused of being involved in "bribery of a public official and interference in public processes," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement.

The designation also blocks their immediate family members from entering the United States.

Duarte allegedly offered an undisclosed bribe to a Paraguayan official to obstruct an investigation related to the vice president's financial interests, according to the statement.

He is also accused of breach of trust as legal advisor to the hydroelectric plant, Yacyreta Bi-National Entity, built between Paraguay and Argentina.

"These designations reaffirm the commitment of the United States to combat corruption," Blinken said.

Velazquez was hoping to stand for election next year as Paraguay's presidents -- including the current leader Mario Abdo Benitez -- are limited to a single five-year term.

"The decision to step aside is to not affect the president" or their Colorado Party, Velazquez said.

Several family members were also sanctioned, as well as Juan Carlos Duarte, a close friend and legal adviser to the company that runs the major Yacyreta hydroelectric power station.

Velazquez denied the US allegations and insisted he has "a clean conscience."