AMBASSADOR'S MEETING WITH ATTORNEY GENERAL

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 GUATEMALA 000368

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR DRL/AWH AND DRL/ILCSR
DEPT ALSO FOR EEB/TPP/IPE STEPHEN KEAT AND INL G-TIP
BARBARA FLECK
DOL FOR PCHURCH

E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/16/2019
TAGS: PGOV KCRM KJUS KTIP KWMN ELAB KDEM ETRD PHUM
GT
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR'S MEETING WITH ATTORNEY GENERAL
VELASQUEZ

REF: A. 07 GUATEMALA 115

B. GUATEMALA 79

C. GUATEMALA 164

Classified By: Ambassador McFarland for reasons 1.4(b,d).


1. (C) Summary: During his March 12 meeting with Attorney
General Velasquez, the Ambassador raised various issues,
including the importance of investigating killings of
unionists, the ineffective work of the IPR and anti-money
laundering prosecutors, progress on the GOG's wiretapping
capability, and the recently passed bill against trafficking
in persons. Velasquez expressed optimism that the two-year
mandate of the International Commission Against Impunity in
Guatemala (CICIG) would be renewed, and frustration over his
ministry's lack of resources. The Ambassador used the
meeting as an opportunity to express our continued support
for the Attorney General. End Summary.


2. (C) On March 12, the Ambassador met with Attorney General
Amilcar Velasquez to review pending issues and to express the
Embassy's continued support. The Ambassador discussed the
January 10 arrest of the prime suspect in the 2007 murder of
port union leader Pedro Zamora (refs A, B) and emphasized the
importance of investigating killings of all unionists.
Velasquez confirmed that a suspect had been detained and that
a court case would begin in April once the investigative
phase concluded. He indicated that he would "keep an eye" on
the case, given its high profile. Velasquez also informed
the Ambassador of plans to reorganize the Special
Prosecutor's Unit for Crimes Against Journalists and
Unionists so that a single unit could focus just on labor
crimes.


3. (C) The Ambassador discussed the ineffective performance
of both IPR prosecutor Norma Bonilla and Chief Anti-Money
Laundering Prosecutor Leopoldo Liu. The Ambassador reminded
Velasquez that he had asked him in November 2008 about
Bonilla's work and that Velasquez had promised to replace her
when her extended sick leave ended. Velasquez said that
Bonilla had just returned from leave and that he had already
informed her that she would be transferred to the Office of
the General Counsel. Shortly after the meeting took place,
Bonilla was removed and replaced by Tatiana Morales.
Velasquez shared the Ambassador's concern that Liu was
focused on prosecuting small bulk-cash carriers intercepted
at the airport rather than prosecuting major money
launderers. Velasquez stated that he was considering
replacing Liu and asked the Ambassador for the names of a
half-dozen companies on which prosecutors should focus their
anti-money laundering investigations. The Ambassador
committed to providing a list. (Comment: The Attorney
General likely knows which companies should be targeted and
may be seeking political cover. End Comment.)


4. (C) Velasquez stated that progress is being made to
implement the wiretapping provision of the Law Against
Organized Crime. The company that will provide the necessary
equipment gave a demonstration to the Public Ministry on
March 20, and prosecutors and National Civil Police (PNC)
agents are being trained. (Note: Some will receive
additional training in Puerto Rico through NAS. End note.)
When asked whether the President's Office had approved the
regulation that would permit the PNC to reorganize to conduct
wiretapping, Velasquez stated that he would have to consult
Qwiretapping, Velasquez stated that he would have to consult
with Minister of Government Salvador Gandara later that day.
Velasquez hoped that wiretapping would be operational in
April, but believed May would be more realistic. (Note: In
January, he and Gandara anticipated it would be operational
in March/April. Despite delays, this government has made
more progress on wiretapping than its predecessors. End
note.)


5. (C) Velasquez was dubious that the new Law Against Sexual
Violence, Exploitation, and Trafficking in Persons (ref C)
would increase prosecutions of these crimes. He acknowledged
that the Public Ministry's Special Unit Against Trafficking
in Persons lacked personnel and committed to addressing this
shortcoming. Velasquez lamented his ministry's limited
budget, characterizing it as insufficient to hire new
prosecutors and provide adequate security for his personnel.


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6. (C) According to Velasquez, the Public Ministry has had
good relations with CICIG, and he was optimistic that their
collaboration would result in one or two important
prosecutions in the next few weeks. He also expressed
optimism that CICIG's two-year mandate would be renewed.


7. (C) Comment: As usual, Velasquez seemed eager to cooperate
on the range of issues discussed. The news about Bonilla's
transfer is welcome, but her replacement's effectiveness will
be key. The Embassy will follow up with Velasquez on
prosecution of the Zamora case, provide to the Public
Ministry a suggested list of companies to target for its
anti-money laundering investigations, and closely track
progress on the GOG's wiretapping capability.
McFarland