MESSAGE FROM BAN KI-MOON ON THE WORK OF CICIG

Guatemala, 04 September 2009. Today, as the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) marks its second anniversary, the Secretary-General reaffirms his support for the work carried out by the Commission in helping to strengthen the justice sector and the rule of law in Guatemala. Moreover, he congratulats Commissioner Carlos Castresana and his staff for their dedication and notes with satisfaction the broad support received by the Commission from all sectors of Guatemalan society.

The Secretary General calls on political and judicial authorities to engage themselves in the work CICIG will carry out during the next two years. In addition, he urges full respect of CICIG’s mandate and independence and the urgent approval of CICIG’s policy and institutional proposals, aimed at eliminating those obstacles that impede the identification and prosecution of criminal structures.

The Secretary-General encourages the international community to continue providing political and financial support to the Commission. The people of Guatemala deserve reliable judicial institutions that will defend their rights. The United Nations is pleased to contribute to this end through CICIG.