Argentina summons U.S. Ambassador over Huawei pressure allegations

The Argentine Chamber of Deputies has formally summoned the United States Ambassador to Argentina, Peter Lamelas, to testify before the Commission on Cooperative, Mutual, and Non-Governmental Organizations. The summons follows allegations of diplomatic pressure exerted against the Neuquén-based Cooperativa Provincial de Servicios Públicos y Comunitarios (CALF).

According to testimony from CALF executives, including General Secretary Yenny Fonfach and Technology Manager Sergio Fernández Novoa, U.S. officials allegedly issued warnings to prevent the cooperative from maintaining technological agreements with the Chinese firm Huawei. These agreements involve fiber optic deployment and the construction of a data center in the strategic Vaca Muerta region.

Officials from the cooperative reported receiving communications from commercial attachés and a formal missive from the U.S. representation. These documents reportedly warned of administrative consequences, such as visa restrictions for cooperative leadership, should they continue their business relationship with the Asian company. The meeting is scheduled for August 19.