The citizens of Paraguay today celebrated the anniversary of their independence.
Paraguay created May 15 as the country’s independence Day to commemorate the nations statehood from the Spanish in 1811.
Independence Day in Paraguay is dominantly celebrated with family and friends, often outdoors by having barbecues, playing football, loud music and lots of beer and wine mixed with cola.
In the larger towns and cities parades are organised and people eat typical Paraguayan food like Sopa Paraguayan, corn, and other Indian foods as well as the usual drink called “mate.”
US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton sent her best wishes to all Paraguayans on behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States.
Ms. Clinton says Paraguay and the United States are united by their common democratic values and respect for individual rights and liberties.
Both countries are working to deepen democratic institutions, strengthen human rights, combat crime, and promote effective, transparent governments and judicial systems.
“As you celebrate this joyous occasion, know that the United States stands with you as a partner and friend.” -Ms. Clinton
The United States looks forward to continuing to work closely together as partners for peace and prosperity, Ms. Clinton noted.
On June 2006, the United States and Paraguay have concluded an agreement to reduce Paraguay’s debt payments to the United States.
Two federal agencies explained that in return for the debt reduction, Paraguay has committed the equivalent funding over the next 12 years “to support grants to conserve and restore important tropical forest resources in the southern corridor of the Atlantic Forest of Alto Parana.”
Both agencies said the agreement with Paraguay follows previous Bush administration agreements with Belize, Colombia, El Salvador, Jamaica, Panama, Peru and the Philippines. The agencies observed that these agreements, “together with an agreement concluded with Bangladesh in 2001, will generate over $100 million to protect tropical forests over [a period of] 10-26 years.”
