006 PRESS RELEASE

CICIG MESSAGE ON THE APPROVAL OF LEGAL PROPOSALS IN THE CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC

Guatemala, 5 August 2009. Yesterday, 4 August 2009, a large majority of the members of Congress approved two legislative proposals promoted by CICIG: The Law on Jurisdiction in High-Risk Criminal Processes and the reform to the Law against Organized Crime that amends the law in relation to the use of effective collaborators in criminal proceedings; both proposals were approved by 145 votes and 143,respectively, out of a total of 158 deputies.

CICIG expresses its appreciation to the members of Congress, to the specific committees and to the political parties that supported the proposals and streamlined the legislative process of approval. Once again that demonstrated their commitment to combating impunity and strengthening the Guatemalan justice system.

CICIG also makes a very special recognition to civil society, the academic sector, the international community, the media and Guatemalan men and women for their constant accompaniment to the Commission’s work and their support of the legislative proposals, which are essential for achieving the objective of the Commission's mandate: to collaborate with the country in the dismantling of Illegal Groups and Clandestine Security.