Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, June 2, 1993 TAG: 9306020135
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: GUATEMALA CITY LENGTH: Short
The military promised to restore constitutional rule. But after a day of confusing and contradictory announcements, it was not clear who was in control.
Defense Minister Gen. Jose Domingo Garcia Samayoa said in a national broadcast that Serrano had resigned and had turned over power to Vice President Gustavo Espina Salguero. But then the vice president also resigned, said Garcia Samayoa.
However, senior officials said Espina Salguero would remain in office as president until Congress is called to choose a new leader, probably this week.
Opposition Congressman Fernando Linares said the defense minister "is the most important person in the country right now."
The military's move drew some condemnation, but there were no reports of violence in the capital. Thousands of confused Guatemalans who had come out to celebrate Serrano's ouster milled in front of the National Palace late Tuesday.
The rapid-fire developments came a week after Serrano declared emergency rule May 25, dissolving Congress, the Supreme Court and imposing press censorship. His ouster underlined the widespread support among Guatemalans for democracy and a refusal to accept a return to dictatorship.
That pressure may have prompted the military to take over. Linares, however, said the threat of an economic embargo by the international community was what prompted the army to take action.
by CNB