Carlos Castresana, the head of the UN International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG), announced his resignation yesterday afternoon. As reasons for his resignation he stated that he has been subjected to systematic attacks on his professional credibility, the credibility of the work of CICIG and his private live. The ultimate aim of the attacks are to discrediting the accomplishments of CICIG.
Dr. Carlos Castresana had submitted his resignation on June 4, to the United Nations, UN. The process to find a person to replace him has already started. Castresana continues to lead the CICIG until his replacement is appointed and has taken possession.
Castresana stated: "I can not do more for Guatemala than what I've done; I can serve Guatemala better outside of CICIG then from within. No one is indispensable, CICIG continues despite my departure.
For his part, Castresana simply rejects the accusations that have been made against his private life, since they are absolutely false and do not deserve any attention.
After ex- President Portillo was captured in January 2010, an aggressive disinformation campaign to damage the reputation of CICIG and Dr. Castresana was implemented in Guatemala. Alfonso Portillo, former president, who is kept in custody, is tied to embezzlement and money-laundering.
The attacks against CICIG where a direct response of organized crime and the dark powers of Guatemala who started to feel threatened by the successful investigations of CICIG.
Furthermore, the Commissioner said that the agreement that gives life to the CICIG is bilateral, between the UN and the State of Guatemala. The state of Guatemala did not comply with its part of the agreement. There was not enough political will to pass indispensable legislation to stop impunity. The justice system and security system did not receive the necessary funds to implement the most indispensable measures and crucial reforms and changes.
The climax of the conference occurred when Castresana requested the removal of newly appointed Attorney General, Conrad Reyes: "He is not the Attorney General that Guatemala needs and deserves". Castresana said one reason for his resignation was the appointment of Conrado Reyes as Guatemala's new Attorney General, accusing him of having a history of ties to organized crime including connections with firms of lawyers that defend drug dealers and firms of lawyers involved in illegal adoptions.
Castresana explained that the nomination of Conrad Reyes was the result of a pact among lawyers who are part of organized crime, he urged President Alvaro Colom to replace Reyes.
According Castresana, Conrad Reyes immediately after taking possession of his new post, started to change the team of employees of the Public Ministry that had been working with CICIG. That includes the very sensitive section of phone interception and taking control of high impact cases like ex- prosecutor Alvaro Matus accused of obstructing the investigation and prosecution of the Victor Rivera case.
Castresana also denounced, what is common knowledge that the Postulation commission complied with the form of the procedure of electing new magistrates and a new Attorney General but they did not comply with the substance of the new law.
Dr. Castresana expressed his concern about the 50 Guatemalan's who are part of CICIG´s staff. When CICIG ends its mandate there will be no one to protect them. Dr. Castresana expressed his thanks to the organized groups of civil society, the media, and the donors and asked for continued support to his successor.
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