Ambassador Wayne Visits Judicial City

Ciudad Juarez, October 13, 2011 – To conclude his two-day visit to Ciudad Juarez, Ambassador Anthony E. Wayne was given a tour of the Judicial City, a center that comprises the state courts in Juarez.  Alejandro Ponce de Leon, from Management Systems International (MSI), talked about the importance that the current Chihuahua Administration places upon judges, magistrates, prosecutors and defense attorneys to make the justice system more effective in order to restore the trust of the community in the authorities.
 
Ambassador Wayne hailed the efforts of the State authorities to maintain an open and transparent judicial system and developing a new climate of lawfulness.  Ambassador Wayne also expressed his interest in strengthening cooperation between both countries to share best practices in investigations and prosecutions.
 
“We have shared threats and shared responsibilities, but we also have joint efforts that make us stronger.  I want the government and people of Chihuahua to know that we support your efforts, and we continue to offer a helping hand when asked and where needed.”
 
As part of Pillar I of the Merida Initiative, which supports the justice sector, USAID has worked to strengthen bar associations and law schools in the past year and has supported judicial exchanges and programs in Ciudad Juarez on citizen participation.