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Hugo Swire congratulates new CICIG Commissioner

Hugo Swire congratulated Mr Velasquez on his appointment as Commissioner for the International Commission against impunity in Guatemala.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Foreign Office Minister Hugo Swire said:

I congratulate Mr Velasquez on his appointment as CICIG鈥檚 new Commissioner and wish him every success in his role. He brings a lot of valuable experience from Colombia.

Mr Velasquez arrives at an important time for CICIG in Guatemala. His predecessor, Mr Dall鈥橝nese, worked tirelessly with Guatemala鈥檚 authorities to help tackle impunity. But there are still challenges ahead to reduce impunity further to give Guatemalans the security they desire and deserve.

The UK remains committed in its support for CICIG. This support is part of a package of UK assistance to Guatemala鈥檚 security sector that has included access to UK expertise.

I urge Guatemala鈥檚 government to back Mr Velasquez and CICIG. As the Commission enters the last two years of its mandate, it is important that there is a robust and sustainable exit strategy that leaves the Guatemalan authorities with the capacity, skills and resources to carry on its good work.

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Published 9 September 2013