CICIG INFORMS THE NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC OF THE PROVISIONAL AMPARO ISSUED BY THE CONSTITUTIONAL COURT THAT WILL POTENTIALLY MODIFY THE TERM OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE REPUBLIC

Guatemala, February 6, 2014. It is clear that the decision of the Constitutional Court must be respected and complied with, in accordance with the provisional terms therein.

However, without our opinion being interpreted as an unwarranted interference in the affairs of a maximum authority of the justice sector, it would be desirable (for the benefit of the proper functioning of the justice system as a whole) that the interim situation be accordingly settled, especially as the issue of the term of the Attorney General has been controversial from a legal standpoint and, therefore, subject to several plausible interpretations.

We are concerned that this situation could hinder the efforts of CICIG to fully comply with the comprehensive investigations project designed with the Attorney General as part of a commitment to further the collective fight against impunity in the country, in order to identify, prosecute and dismantle criminal structures.

We acknowledge the work of the Attorney General, Claudia Paz y Paz Bailey, and her continued unwavering commitment—an imperative and historic contribution to Guatemalan justice. Under her leadership, the Public Prosecutor's Office has managed to change and streamline investigation and prosecution techniques, providing the Guatemalan people with more timely responses to their needs.

We remain firmly committed to the government of Guatemala and Guatemalan society in our tireless efforts to combat impunity and strengthen justice institutions.