GUATEMALA CITY, Jan. 11 (UPI) -- An investigation into the presence and activities of illegal armed groups in Guatemala was officially launched Friday in the country's capital.
The United Nations helped set up an independent body to investigate reports of illegal armed groups in Guatemala. Officials say the illegal security organizations conduct criminal activities and violate human rights, the United Nations reported.
In a ceremony to launch the investigation, U.N. political official B. Lynn Pascoe and Carlos Castresana Fernandez, a former Spanish prosecutor, were designated to head the international commission.
Officials say the commission, CICIG, is an effort to eradicate illegal armed groups reportedly growing in recent years and prevent their return. CICIG will lead an investigation and make recommendations on public policies and any legal or institutional measures in an attempt to put an end to illegal armed groups.
CICIG was established "under an agreement between the U.N. and the Guatemalan government that came into effect in September 2007. An independent, non-U.N. body, the CICIG will be able to conduct its own investigations and also help local institutions, particularly the Office of the Public Prosecutor, the release said.
