Secretary-General Welcomes Renewal of International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala, Calling for Changes Needed to Strengthen National Democracy

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

The Secretary-General met on 18 June with the Foreign Minister of Guatemala.  They welcomed the renewal of CICIG’s [International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala] mandate for an additional two years and discussed political developments in the country.

The Secretary-General is aware of widespread reactions related to allegations of corrupt practices and of calls for legal and political reforms arising from various sectors of Guatemalan society.

The Secretary-General calls on Guatemalans to rely on laws and institutions in order to find solutions to the complex problems the country is facing.  Upholding democratic principles and the rule of law is important to ensure the change needed to strengthen Guatemala’s democracy.