Government Ethics Tribunal Commemorates First Anniversary
November 8 , 2007

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On, November 6, the Salvadoran Government Ethics Tribunal commemorated its first anniversary with the opening of a day-long conference titled, “Building Towards Public Ethics in El Salvador.”

The ceremony was attended by the U.S. Ambassador to El Salvador Charles L. Glazer, Salvadoran President Elías Antonio Saca, the President of the Legislative Assembly Rubén Orellana, the President of the Supreme Court of Justice Agustín García Calderón, and the President of the Government Ethics Tribunal, Lizette Kuri de Mendoza. Other members of the government and representatives from the private sector, non-governmental organizations, and international organizations also attended.

“It has been a year since the Tribunal was established by the Salvadoran government. Today, with the support of numerous employees in various sectors, the Tribunal has laid a solid foundation for achieving its goal of helping to create a culture of ethical conduct and helping to combat corruption in the public sector,” said Ambassador Glazer, adding that the U.S. Government has high expectations for the Tribunal.

The Tribunal presented plaques to several institutions, including the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in recognition of its financial and technical support. Mission Director Deborah Kennedy-Iraheta accepted the plaque on behalf of USAID.

The Tribunal, with support from USAID, is conducting a week-long series of conferences, forums, and workshops for the 67 government ethics commissions. Hiram Morales Lugo, an international expert on government ethics, presented today’s keynote address.