ARGENTINE CHAMBER OF DEPUTIES REITERATES SUPPORT FOR THE WORK OF CICIG

Guatemala, December 11, 2012. The Chamber of Deputies of Argentina, by means of resolution 2484-D-2012, unanimously approved on November 28, recognized and reiterated the cooperation provided by the Argentine State to the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG). This cooperation involves human capital being sent from the National Gendarmerie of Argentina to Guatemala.

The members of the Chamber acknowledged the work undertaken by the Commission in the fight against impunity and organized crime to "strengthen justice and the rule of law in Guatemala and to promote respect for human rights".

The resolution underlines that: "We commend the important work undertaken by the Commission [...]. The impunity for egregious crimes—such as the illicit trafficking of persons, arms and narcotics—is worrying. The situation is worsened by the collusion of State officials, which arises because of corruption and a failed justice service."

The document goes on to say that, given the situation, the State of Guatemala requested the support of the international community to cooperate in strengthening the judicial system and to help guarantee the Guatemalan society's enjoyment and exercise of human rights. "Violence, corruption and systematic impunity affects the social, economic and political development of citizens and thus impinges upon the fundamental rights of people."

With this in mind, the Argentine deputies said that work such as that conducted by CICIG—which strives to create justice that is independent, impartial and respectful of democratic principles and the rule of law—becomes a key tool in strengthening democracy and fighting impunity and corruption.

The resolution indicated that the Argentine State offers on-location assistance at CICIG headquarters in Guatemala and cooperates with security and investigation tasks. This is demonstrated by the agreement signed in April 2011, whereby Argentina sent ten members of the National Gendarmerie to offer protection to officials and the Commission's headquarters.

The members of the Chamber declared the continuance of the Argentine foreign policy of supporting Guatemala, which is a true representation of the State's interest "in the fight against impunity and corruption and, therefore, the respect for democracy and human rights”.