On the recordJune 23, 2010
on June 7, the head of the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala, CICIG, a U.N. supported body set up to investigate organized crime and clandestine groups in Guatemala, resigned. In a press conference, he highlighted problems with Guatemala's newly selected attorney general, who he accused of trying to undermine the Commission's investigations. He also described a general lack of cooperation from the Guatemalan Government in CICIG's mission. Not long ago, on April 5, I spoke in this Chamber of Guatemala's need for an attorney general with the integrity, experience, courage and determination to show that justice can be a reality for all the people of Guatemala regardless of race, ethnicity, gender or economic status. Unfortunately, President Colom's choice fell short on all counts. This concerns me greatly. The Commission was created three years ago, at the request of the Guatemalan Government and with the approval of the legislature. It was intended to support Guatemala in investigating and dismantling powerful criminal networks deeply entrenched in state institutions and to help strengthen the capacity of the country's dysfunctional judicial system.
