Alejandro Hamed

Alejandro Hamed Franco (26 February 1934 – 24 April 2023) Paraguayan politician who was appointed foreign minister by President Fernando Lugo,[2][3] a term he served between 2008 and 2009.[4] At the time of his death he was nominated to become the next Paraguayan ambassador to Uruguay.

For other uses, see Hamed.

In this Spanish name, the first or paternal surname is Hamed and the second or maternal family name is Franco.
Alejandro Hamed Franco
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Paraguay
In office
2008–2009
PresidentFernando Lugo
Preceded byRubén Ramírez Lezcano
Succeeded byHéctor Lacognata[1]
Personal details
Born(1934-02-26)26 February 1934
Asunción, Paraguay
Died24 April 2023(2023-04-24) (aged 89)
Montevideo, Uruguay
ProfessionPolitician

Biography

Alejandro Hamed was born on 26 February 1934.[5] He was of Syrian origin.

Hamed died on 24 April 2023, at the age of 89.[6]

Political career

In 2008, he was controversially appointed the Foreign Minister of Paraguay by incoming president Fernando Lugo. The United States had him on a blacklist from entering their country or flying on one of their aircraft.[7][8] After leaving the post in 2009, he was ambassador to Venezuela. As of 2010, he was nominated to become the ambassador to Uruguay.[9]

Foreign policy

Hamed was said to have "expressed sympathy" for Hugo Chávez,[3] and been an advocate of the Palestinian cause (a move that caused consternation in the United States).[8]

During his tenure as foreign minister, there were concerns that Paraguay would break ties with Taiwan in favour of China,[10] this was controversial because Paraguay was the only country in South America to recognise Taiwan.[11]

During a visit to Jordan, he discussed with his counterpart the Middle East process.[12] He has also visited Qatar.[13] During a visit to Iran, he told his counterpart that Paraguay was willing to make "mature economic, industrial and agricultural cooperation with Iran."[14] He also said Paraguay would support Venezuela's entry into Mercosur.[15] After Barack Obama's inauguration as US president he said Lugo hoped ties with the US would be secure, particularly in the economic field.[16]

Hamed also signed an agreement with the US ambassador to Paraguay, Liliana Ayalde, to amend the Narcotics and Money Laundering Agreement. The new agreement would be used to combat drug trafficking with the US offering US$253,000.[17]

References
  1. "Paraguayan Foreign Ministers". Rulers.org. Retrieved 20 August 2013.
  2. "Monroe Doctrine fades away - Viewpoints, Outlook - Chron.com - Houston Chronicle".
  3. "The next leftist on the block". The Economist.
  4. "Foreign ministers L-R". rulers.org.
  5. Enciclopedia biográfica paraguaya del bicentenario. Álvaro Ayala Producciones. 2009. p. 294. Retrieved 25 April 2023.
  6. "Fallece ex canciller nacional Alejandro Hamed". Ultima Hora. 25 April 2023. Retrieved 25 April 2023.
  7. Kiriakou, John (8 November 2008). "Iran in our backyard". Los Angeles Times.
  8. "Iran forging ties to Latin America". 16 November 2008.
  9. Color, ABC. "Los embajadores políticos acaparan legaciones paraguayas en el exterior - Edicion Impresa - ABC Color".
  10. "Taiwan is concerned about Paraguay's intention to recognize China - TopNews". www.topnews.in.
  11. "Taiwan denies 71-million-dollar pledge to new Paraguay government - TopNews". www.topnews.in.
  12. "Foreign ministers of Jordan, Paraguay discuss Mideast peace process - TopNews". www.topnews.in.
  13. "Qatar Morning Post - H.H the Emir Receives Letters from Paraguayan, Mauritanian Presidents". Archived from the original on 15 July 2011.
  14. Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamic Republic of Iran
  15. "The World Trade Review". Archived from the original on 18 July 2011. Retrieved 18 November 2010.
  16. "Latin American leaders congratulate Obama".
  17. "New Amendment to Narcotics and Money Laundering Agreement signed by Ambassador Ayalde and Foreign Minister Hamed". Embassy of the United States, Asuncion Paraguay. 30 September 2008. Archived from the original on 15 February 2013. Retrieved 14 September 2015.
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