https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/nov/30/paraguay-official-resigns-agreement-fictional-country [p] Skip to main contentSkip to navigationSkip to navigation Print subscriptions Sign in Search jobs Search US edition[ ] * US edition * UK edition * Australia edition * International edition * Europe edition The Guardian - Back to homeThe Guardian [ ] * News * Opinion * Sport * Culture * Lifestyle ShowMoreShow More * [ ]News + View all News + US news + World news + Environment + US politics + Ukraine + Soccer + Business + Tech + Science + Newsletters + Wellness * [ ]Opinion + View all Opinion + The Guardian view + Columnists + Letters + Opinion videos + Cartoons * [ ]Sport + View all Sport + Soccer + NFL + Tennis + MLB + MLS + NBA + NHL + F1 + Golf * [ ]Culture + View all Culture + Film + Books + Music + Art & design + TV & radio + Stage + Classical + Games * [ ]Lifestyle + View all Lifestyle + Wellness + Fashion + Food + Recipes + Love & sex + Home & garden + Health & fitness + Family + Travel + Money * Search input [ ] google-search Search + Support us + Print subscriptions * [ ]US edition + UK edition + Australia edition + International edition + Europe edition * + Search jobs + Digital Archive + Guardian Puzzles app + Guardian Licensing + About Us + The Guardian app + Video + Podcasts + Pictures + Inside the Guardian + Guardian Weekly + Crosswords + Wordiply + Corrections * + Facebook + Twitter * + Search jobs + Digital Archive + Guardian Puzzles app + Guardian Licensing + About Us * World * Europe * US * Americas * Asia * Australia * Middle East * Africa * Inequality * Global development The Paraguayan flag. [ ] The Paraguayan flag in Asuncion. Photograph: Agustin Marcarian/ Reuters The Paraguayan flag in Asuncion. Photograph: Agustin Marcarian/ Reuters Paraguay Paraguay official resigns after signing agreement with fictional country Arnaldo Chamorro replaced after he signed 'proclamation' with representatives of fugitive Indian guru's fake country Associated Press Thu 30 Nov 2023 15.13 ESTLast modified on Thu 30 Nov 2023 15.23 EST * * * A Paraguayan government official has been replaced after it was revealed that he signed a memorandum of understanding with representatives of a fugitive Indian guru's fictional country, who also appear to have duped several other officials in the South American country. Arnaldo Chamorro was replaced as chief of staff for Paraguay's agriculture ministry on Wednesday shortly after it was revealed that he signed a "proclamation" with representatives of the United States of Kailasa. On Kailasa's website, the fictional country is described as the "revival of the ancient enlightened Hindu civilizational nation which is being revived by displaced Hindus from around the world". It is led by a self-styled guru, Nithyananda, who is wanted in India on several charges, including sexual assault. His whereabouts are unknown. Among other things, the 16 October "proclamation" expressed a "sincere wish and recommendation for the government of Paraguay to consider, explore and actively seek the establishment of diplomatic relations with the United States of Kailasa and support the admission of the United States of Kailasa as a sovereign and independent state in various international organizations, including, among others, the United Nations", according to a copy of the agreement posted on social media. Representatives of the fictional country met with Chamorro and the agriculture minister, Carlos Gimenez, Chamorro said in a radio interview. Fugitive Indian guru establishes 'cosmic country off Ecuador' Read more During the interview, Chamorro recognized he didn't know where Kailasa was located and said he signed what he characterized as a "memorandum of understanding" because they offered to help Paraguay with a variety of issues, including irrigation. The revelation sparked a scandal - and lots of social media mockery - in Paraguay but it's hardly the first time self-described representatives of the United States of Kailasa duped international leaders. Earlier this year, they managed to participate in a UN committee meeting in Geneva and also signed agreements with local leaders in the United States and Canada. Photos posted in Kailasa's social media accounts also showed representatives of the fictional country signing agreements with local leaders of the Maria Antonia and Karpai municipalities. The social media account celebrated each of these signings. Representatives of the United States of Kailasa participated in two UN committee meetings in Geneva in February, according to media reports. In March, Newark city hall in New Jersey acknowledged it had been scammed when it signed a sister city agreement with Kailasa. 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