GERMANY REITERATES SUPPORT FOR FIGHT AGAINST IMPUNITY

Guatemala, June 20, 2012. The Government of Germany reiterated its support for the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) by signing a cooperation agreement worth Q9,877,262.11 (US$1,257,800.00). This support will enable CICIG to continue with its work in Guatemala.

The document was signed by: Thomas Schäfer, Ambassador of Germany; Francisco Javier Dall'Anese Ruiz, CICIG Commissioner; and René Mauricio Valdés, Resident Coordinator of the United Nations System. Claudia Paz y Paz (Attorney General of the Republic) and Mauricio López Bonilla (Minister of the Interior) were invited to the event.

"I believe it to be most normal that states cooperate and support one another so as to resolve any problems. In Germany, after the end of World War II, the foundations of democracy and the Rule of Law were built during the Allied Occupation," stated the Ambassador.

He added: "I am convinced that in many parts of the world—including Europe and Central America—it will no longer suffice that individual countries cooperate, and we will have to continue to pass on more competences to supranational organizations to tackle impunity."

The Commissioner thanked the German Government for their donation to continue supporting the work carried out by the Public Prosecutor's Office (MP), the Ministry of the Interior and the Judiciary. "I appreciate the efforts and gesture made by Germany at a time when we all know Chancellor Angela Merkel is at the forefront of putting an end to the economic crisis in Europe," he said.

"Despite the commitments it has on a domestic level, the German Government is giving this contribution to CICIG. This is testimony to the manner in which Germany values, maintains a fraternal bond with, and shows an interest in Guatemalan justice; […] this is the best example of how this country does not distinguish between borders when it is a matter of strengthening justice, values, good citizenship, democracy and human rights," emphasized the head of CICIG.

The Commissioner congratulated and urged Guatemalan authorities to continue working in a coordinated fashion, because doing so has reduced the number of murders in the country. "The number of murders has fallen from 43 to 39 per 100,000 inhabitants, which is a global security indicator. This shows the commitment that prosecutors and police have to strengthening justice and security.

The Minister of the Interior stressed that CICIG helps the Ministry through the transfer of knowledge and competences to structure the criminal prosecution work they jointly undertake with the Public Prosecutor's Office.

"The Commission has also helped with the adjudication of paradigmatic cases that are within its mandate, and it assists with strengthening justice institutions," stated the Minister.

According to the Attorney General, this contribution reaches the Justice System via CICIG, which leads to all Guatemalans having access to prompt and full justice. "We have the firm belief that these funds will be put to very good use in work to transfer capacities; to strengthen the Analysis Unit; to create a Financial Intelligence Unit; and to enhance the safety of prosecutors, witnesses and victims."

René Mauricio Valdés, Resident Coordinator of the United Nations System, thanked the German Government for its economic contribution and stated that it would enable CICIG to continue its criminal prosecution work, pursuant to its mandate, and its advocacy for constitutional reforms to strengthen the Guatemalan justice system.