Guatemala, February 9, 2012. The International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) primarily aims to support, strengthen and cooperate with the institutions of the State of Guatemala responsible for the investigation and criminal prosecution of crimes presumably committed by or linked to illegal security forces and clandestine security organizations (CIACS) in Guatemala. In addition, CICIG strives to indentify the structures, activities, modus operandi and sources of funding of CIACS, fostering the disbanding of such structures and the criminal prosecution of those implicated in their criminal activities (perpetrators, accomplices and accessories after the fact).

CICIG also has the power to gather, assess and systematize information provided by individuals, government bodies, private bodies, NGOs, international organizations and authorities of other States. Furthermore, CICIG promotes criminal prosecution by filing criminal complaints before the corresponding authorities and participates in proceedings as a complementary prosecutor.

CICIG operates under the responsibility of a commissioner (Francisco Dall'Anese), who is appointed by the United Nations Secretary General.

The disbanding of CIACS and the criminal prosecution of liable individuals is embodied in the Comprehensive Agreement on Human Rights—one of the Peace Accords signed by the Government of Guatemala and the URNG.

Moreover, the fight against organized crime is crucial given the devastating impact it has upon the Guatemalan people.

Therefore, we warmly welcome the decision of President Otto Pérez Molina to provide the support of the State of Guatemala to CICIG in its fight against organized crime and impunity.

El Periódico would also like to reiterate its unbridled support for CICIG and we hope its efforts continue to work towards eradicating impunity in our country and removing all the "bad eggs" from the public sector, which is undoubtedly the main source of power and impunity for the mafiosi.

Finally, we hope, for the good of everyone in this crime-savaged country, CICIG will continue to enjoy success and finally create respect for the law and appropriate justice.