SECRETARY-GENERAL EXPRESSES STRONG SUPPORT FOR GUATEMALA IMPUNITY COMMISSION,

CALLS ON POLITICAL, JUDICIAL AUTHORITIES TO HELP IT CARRY OUT WORK

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General met yesterday afternoon at United Nations Headquarters with Carlos Castresana, head of the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) and expressed his strong support and appreciation for the work of the Commission and all of its staff, under difficult circumstances, to help strengthen justice and the rule of law in Guatemala.

With the Commission now involved in a critical phase of its operations, the Secretary-General calls on Guatemala’s political and judicial authorities, and all sectors of Guatemalan society, to help CICIG carry out its work.  He urges full respect for its mandate and independence.

The Secretary-General appreciates the strong political and financial support being provided to CIGIG by the international community, and welcomes continued backing in the period ahead.  The United Nations remains committed through the efforts of CICIG to help ensure that the people of Guatemala can be protected by, and have trust in, their judicial institutions.

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For information media • not an official record