U.S. Ambassador to Argentina Peter Lamelas did not attend a congressional hearing at which lawmakers wanted him to respond to allegations that embassy officials pressured a cooperative to abandon its negotiations with Chinese technology company Huawei. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Embassy in Argentina
Aug. 20 (UPI) -- U.S. Ambassador to Argentina Peter Lamelas did not attend a congressional hearing at which lawmakers wanted him to respond to allegations that embassy officials pressured a cooperative to abandon its negotiations with Chinese technology company Huawei.
The Chamber of Deputies' Committee on Cooperative Affairs, Mutual Associations and Nongovernmental Organizations summoned Lamelas after the Provincial Cooperative of Public and Community Services of Neuquén, known as CALF, alleged that a U.S. official raised the possibility of visa restrictions for its directors, Página/12 reported.
Committee Chairman Aldo Leiva, a member of the opposition Union for the Homeland party, said lawmakers would summon the ambassador again.
Rep. Lorena Pokoik, a member of the same party, also criticized his absence.
