The Secretary-General applauds today's decision by Guatemala's legislature to approve, as a matter of national urgency, the International Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG). He believes Guatemala has sent a clear message both to its people and to the international community that it is committed to fight crime and impunity, and to provide security for its citizens. Under the terms of its agreement with the Government of Guatemala, the United Nations will now work in close cooperation with the national government and judicial authorities to make CICIG a reality.

New York, 1 August 2007