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Statement by the Federal Foreign Office on fighting corruption in Guatemala
A Federal Foreign Office Spokesperson issued the following statement today (4 September) on the announcement by the Guatemalan Government of its intention not to renew the mandate of the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala:
We note with concern and disappointment the announcement by the Guatemalan Government that the mandate of the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) will not be renewed beyond September 2019. As a major donor to and supporter of the CICIG, the German Government hopes that Guatemala will reconsider this decision.
In the ten years of its existence, the Commission has played an important role in strengthening the rule of law in Guatemala. The CICIG sends a message to people throughout the region that it is possible to take effective steps to fight corruption and impunity.
Guatemala is urged to continue its efforts to strengthen the rule of law and democracy for the benefit of all citizens of the country.
Background information:
To reduce the high levels of impunity and corruption in the country, Guatemala asked the United Nations and the international community to establish an International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (Comisión Internacional contra la Impunidad en Guatemala – CICIG). The Commission began its work in January 2008. Its achievements include uncovering a corruption scandal at the Guatemalan Tax and Customs Authority in April 2015. The CICIG is financed by voluntary contributions from the international community. The European Union is one of the most significant donors. Germany has supported the CICIG with almost 5.5 million euros since 2009.
On 28 August, the Guatemalan Government announced that it did not intend to renew the mandate of the CICIG beyond 2019.