OTTAWA—Their Excellencies the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, and her husband, Mr. Jean-Daniel Lafond, met yesterday with Mr. Carlos Castresana Fernandez, Commissioner of the International Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG).
During the meeting, the Governor General congratulated Mr. Castresana on his accomplishments as commissioner of the CICIG. They also discussed how security reforms can be directed towards meeting the needs of some of the most vulnerable segments of the population, such as women, youth and Aboriginals. The CICIG is a major initiative involving members of the international community and Guatemalan society in the fight against corruption in government institutions and the business community. Its mandate serves to uncover and dismantle organized criminal activities, both within and outside of the State, and to strengthen police and judicial frameworks and institutions.
About the State visit to the Republic of Guatemala – December 9 to 12, 2009
During their visit to Guatemala, Their Excellencies will meet with representatives from non-governmental organizations, most of whom are women, members of civil society and Aboriginal leaders. Their Excellencies will also visit projects led by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) to reduce poverty and increase job creation.
Follow the State visits to Mexico, Guatemala and Costa Rica through the speeches, photos and videos available daily at www.gg.ca. Blogs written by Their Excellencies and the delegates are posted on www.citizenvoices.gg.ca.
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Media have access to high-resolution photos and video at http://media.gg.ca (username: media; password: osgg).
Media Information:
Marie-Ève Létourneau
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-998-0287
613-302-0912 (cell.)
meletourneau@gg.ca
www.gg.ca
www.citizenvoices.gg.ca
