CICIG CONGRATULATES GUATEMALAN INSTITUTIONS

• Outstanding leadership of the Attorney General

Guatemala, March 30, 2011. In light of the arrest of Juan Ortiz López (alias "Chamalé"), the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) would like to publicly congratulate the Attorney General and Head of the Public Prosecutor's Office (MP), Claudia Paz y Paz Bailey, for her leadership and commitment to justice. Ortiz López was wanted by justice authorities and a district court in Florida (United States) for cooperating in the international transportation of drugs.

The Attorney General Paz y Paz is quickly showing her efficiency and commitment to Guatemala, as evidenced by the progress achieved in this case in the few months since she took office. With these actions the Attorney General has made a difference and demonstrated that Guatemala is capable of changing its current situation.

CICIG believes that these blows to organized crime demonstrate the progress achieved by the Guatemalan institutions working to strengthen justice and safeguard order. The leadership, commitment and professionalism of Attorney General Claudia Paz y Paz are noteworthy; since the day she took control of the Public Prosecutor's Office (MP), she has shown her only objective to be delivering justice for each and every Guatemalan.

CICIG also congratulates the members of the National Civil Police (PNC) and other authorities that participated in the operations conducted today. These actions are a sign that within Guatemalan institutions there are professional individuals who are committed to helping their country.