I have urged the MCC, the Department of State, and the Government of El Salvador during the preliminary discussions and prior to a decision to release the funds for a second compact in which the Congress will have a say, to address a number of issues which I and others here and in El Salvador believe is necessary for the rule of law and economic growth in that country. First is to significantly strengthen the capacity of the Attorney General’s office and the police to combat money laundering, which is a growing problem and is driving legitimate businesses out of business. President Funes recently announced the creation of a special police unit for this purpose and I commend him for doing so, but it remains to be seen whether such a unit receives the necessary resources to be effective, and is not corrupted by the very criminals it is responsible for investigating and bringing to justice. Second is to respect the independence of the Constitutional Oversight Court of the Supreme Court, or the Sala de lo constitucional as it is known in Spanish, which is the chamber of the Supreme Court that rules on constitutional issues. For the first time since the Peace Accords El Salvador has an independent judicial body of magistrates who are widely recognized for being honest, who do not show fear or favor, and who have consistently ruled in an independent manner. Because their rulings have at times gone against the interests of the FMLN governing party and at other times against the interests of the opposition ARENA party, there have been efforts to replace them with individuals who can be manipulated. Third is the concern I have raised about some public officials in positions of authority who have promoted individuals within the police and security forces who have no business being in public office because of their involvement in illegal activities.
Posted on: Sat, 14 Sep 2013 15:51:59 +0000
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