Washington, DC - "We are deeply concerned by Guatemalan President Morales' announcement of his decision to bar the United Nation's International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) Commissioner Ivan Velásquez from the country. Mr. Velásquez has been an effective leader of CICIG in its fight against corruption in Guatemala. CICIG has played and should continue to play an important role in strengthening Guatemalan institutions and tackling the corruption that undermines security and prosperity in Guatemala.

"It remains crucial that CICIG be permitted to work free from interference by the Guatemalan government. We ‎stress the importance of ‎peace and non-violence in light of these developments, as well as the need to allow Guatemala's democratic institutions to function effectively.

"We will continue to monitor the situation closely." ~ Heather Nauert