Guatemala: following President's resignation, Ban calls for peaceful elections
| Publisher | UN News Service |
| Publication Date | 3 September 2015 |
| Cite as | UN News Service, Guatemala: following President's resignation, Ban calls for peaceful elections, 3 September 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/55e952e5c8.html [accessed 18 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
3 September 2015 - Taking note of the resignation of President Otto Pérez Molina of Guatemala, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today said he trusted that the authorities would abide by the Constitution and ensure an orderly democratic transition.
"The Secretary-General is aware of the deep desire shown by the country's citizens to put an end to corruption and impunity, as well as ongoing calls for legal and political reforms,"said a statement issued by Mr. Ban's spokesperson in New York.
Welcoming constructive efforts by the people of Guatemala to participate in and contribute to their country's political system, the UN chief appealed to the authorities and all sectors of society to work together in order to strengthen institutions and the rule of law in the country.
Calling today a historic day, Alberto Brunori, Representative for the High Commissioner of Human Rights in Guatemala, said in an interview with UN Radio that the UN is maintaining the observation of human rights, considering that on Sunday there will be the first round of elections.
"We will monitor human rights, particularly possible attacks on human rights defenders," said Mr. Brunori, adding that they will try to have a deployment to prevent forms of violence and conflicts.
"We would like to see a transition period with the reforms that the people, the Guatemalans, are asking for," he underscored.
