Public Security Remains Embassy’s Top Priority
April 15, 2008

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In a speech last month to the American Chamber of Commerce, Ambassador Charles L. Glazer challenged the private sector to get involved and find ways to help the government in the fight against gangs and violent crime: 

“This does not mean just contributing money.  It means taking a leadership role.  It means dedicating time and resources to help manage and combat the problem.  It means demanding the information necessary to hold government, judicial and parliamentary institutions to account.  Crime requires an extraordinary response from civil society.  Only then will El Salvador control its critical crime problem, which in turn will make better lives for its citizens, and as I have said several times already this morning, attract the foreign investment that the country needs to further develop its economy.”

The U.S. diplomat emphasized again the importance of attacking the crime problem in an address last week to the 4th Regional Anti-Gang Conference in El Salvador.  He urged political officials to come together to approve a new criminal procedure code, pass a wire tap law, enact an asset forfeiture law, and ratify a new extradition treaty.  “All people living in democratic countries have the right to be safe in their homes, on the streets, on public buses, and at their place of work,” said the Ambassador to over 200 law enforcement representatives from the U.S., El Salvador, and countries around the region.

The US Embassy in San Salvador promotes many American foreign policy goals in El Salvador, but as Ambassador Glazer has made clear, the Embassy’s top priority is working with Salvadoran society to solve the violent crime problem that plagues the country’s citizens and retards economic growth.  The US Government is working closely with its Salvadoran counterpart to confront the crime problem.  Joint U.S.-Salvadoran programs such as the Transnational Anti-Gang center (TAG) and the Central American Fingerprint Exploitation program (CAFÉ) will help facilitate a greater exchange of information between American and Salvadoran law enforcement officials so they can more effectively track and arrest criminals, and deter crime before it happens.  Moreover, President Bush’s Merida Initiative, if approved by Congress, would bring $50 million to Central America in its first year to ratchet up the region’s ability to combat gangs and crime.

The violent crime problem in El Salvador requires an extraordinary response.  The US Government is dedicated to working hand-in-glove with its Salvadoran ally, through prevention and law enforcement, to reduce this serious threat to every Salvadoran.  As the Ambassador made clear in his March 5 speech, “Remember that no one is exempt from crime.  We and our family members can all be victims tomorrow.”