PRESIDENT OTTO PÉREZ EXPRESSES HIS SUPPORT FOR THE NEW CICIG COMMISSIONER

Guatemala, October 1, 2013. Today, President Otto Pérez Molina and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Fernando Carrera, met with the new CICIG Commissioner, Iván Velásquez Gómez. This was their first meeting, after the latter recently arrived in the country and took charge of the Commission.

Following the meeting with President Molina, Commissioner Velásquez Gómez told the media that it had been productive "because we agree on all aspects of the joint efforts of CICIG and the Guatemalan institutions, which is the sole means of contributing to the necessary strengthening of the justice system."

The Commissioner added that he was evaluating the skills transfer work that had been undertaken in the justice system, as well as reviewing the criminal cases of the Commission and the deadlines within which to resolve them.

Velásquez considers a strong, independent judicial branch to be important in Guatemala, and it must be supported by the effective actions of the Public Prosecutor's Office (MP) and the National Civil Police (PNC).

The Commissioner said the General Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DIGICRI) would be a key part of tackling impunity. "Hopefully the Colombian institutional experience will help to strengthen the Guatemalan judicial branch."

Support
President Otto Pérez Molina said that he would provide all necessary support so that the Commissioner could conduct his work in the country. "We are satisfied with the appointment of Commissioner Velásquez; we agree upon the work to be done over the coming two years in the different justice institutions."

On the Commissioner's second day in Guatemala, the President welcomed him at a press conference.