Secretary-General Expresses Shock at Guatemala President’s Statement Declaring Impunity Commission Leader Persona Non Grata

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

The Secretary-General is shocked to learn that Mr. Jimmy Morales, President of Guatemala, has issued a statement declaring Commissioner Ivan Velásquez persona non grata.

He fully expects that Mr. Velásquez will be treated by the Guatemalan authorities with the respect due to his functions as an international civil servant.

Under Commissioner Velásquez’s leadership, the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) has made a decisive contribution to strengthening justice sector institutions in Guatemala, helping to ensure justice was done in numerous cases.  Mr. Velásquez has worked tirelessly to promote a culture that upholds the rule of law and rejects corruption.

The Secretary-General has repeatedly reiterated his full confidence in Commissioner Velásquez.