Statement by U.S. Ambassador Alexander A. Arvizu at Prosecutor General’s Office (January 23, 2012)

One year ago we witnessed an unspeakable tragedy unfold in the streets of the capital. It began with a deliberate provocation by a small number of protestors against the police who were simply doing their duty.  There followed quickly a general deterioration of the situation, and it culminated, as we all know, very tragically, in a response by the security forces, which resulted in the shooting deaths of four protesters as well as many others who were injured.

In the days the ensued, the United States Government, in response to a direct and specific request from the Prosecutor General, agreed to provide assistance in the form of forensic examination, technical assistance, to further the cause of justice in this case.  And, so, accordingly, the U.S. Government welcomes the developments today and the announcement by the Prosecutor General.  We will continue to support the Office of the Prosecutor General as it continues with this investigation.  And I reiterate that it has always been our position that it is important for this investigation to be independent and to be free from political interference.  And for the investigation to be credible, it needs to be comprehensive and that includes, as the Prosecutor General outlined just a few minutes ago, certainly, investing the tragic shooting deaths of the protesters, first and foremost, and certainly the actions of the protesters who conducted violence, as well as the actions and intent, to the extent possible, of the organizers.

And finally, in the conduct of the investigation, if there is any evidence suggesting the obstruction of justice, then we feel very obligated to support the prosecutor general in that investigation as well.

Top Channel: How do you consider charges that the Prosecutor General has taken sides, that this investigation is politically motivated?

Ambassador Arvizu: I disagree; I don’t think this is politically motivated.

Top Channel: How will you support the Prosecutor General starting from tomorrow since we’re seeing more accusation towards her?

Ambassador Arvizu: I think it’s pretty clear that our support has been pretty steady and pretty secure.