Secretary-General Expresses Appreciation for Service as Head of International

Commission against Impunity in Guatemala Announces Departure

 

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

The Secretary-General greatly appreciates the work ofCarlos Castresana, as Commissioner of the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG), in the struggle against impunity and the dismantling of illegal armed groups in Guatemala.  He and his staff have worked courageously for more than two-and-a-half years so that Guatemalans can have a justice system that defends and protects them.  Following Mr. Castresana’s announcement today that he will be leaving the Commission, the Secretary-General intends to proceed with the appointment of a qualified replacement who can build on the progress achieved to date and lead CICIG through the remainder of its mandate.

TheCICIG is a ground-breaking initiative whose investigations and prosecutions are stirring hope in Guatemala that impunity can be defeated.  The success of this partnership requires that the international commitment be matched by an equal commitment on the part of the national authorities.  The Secretary-General expresses his hope that critical policy recommendations of CICIG will be implemented soon, and that the Government ensures that key positions in the justice sector are filled with qualified candidates.

The United Nations is strongly committed to the success of CICIG and calls for a determined effort by national authorities to take full advantage of the assistance it can provide during the remaining period of its mandate.

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For information media • not an official record