Head of UN anti-impunity panel in Guatemala quits
By IANSTuesday, June 8, 2010
Guatemala City, June 8 (IANS/EFE) The Spanish jurist who chairs the UN-sponsored International Commission Against Impunity (Cicig) in Guatemala has resigned, blasting the Guatemalan authorities for failing to fulfil their commitments.
“I cannot do any more for Guatemala. I serve Guatemala better from outside than from inside,” Carlos Castresana said at a press conference in the capital Monday.
He also urged Guatemalan President Alvaro Colom to “immediately” fire recently appointed Attorney General Conrado Reyes, who is accused of having links with criminal gangs.
Castresana said the office of UN Secretary-General has accepted his resignation and that his successor will arrive in Guatemala within weeks.
“No one is indispensable. The work of Cicig will continue and the person who will replace me is honourable and independent, I can vouch for that,” said the Spanish judge who has headed the UN panel since its inception in September 2007.
–IANS/EFE
