SECRETARY-GENERAL CONSIDERS AWARD FROM GUATEMALAN GOVERNMENT AS TRIBUTE TO THOSE COMMITTED TO PEACE
Press Release
SG/SM/6648
CA/16
SECRETARY-GENERAL CONSIDERS AWARD FROM GUATEMALAN GOVERNMENT AS TRIBUTE TO THOSE COMMITTED TO PEACE
19980721 Following is the text of the statement made by Secretary-General Kofi Annan upon receiving the "Orden del Quetzal", the highest honour the Government of Guatemala could bestow on a civilian, in Guatemala City on Monday, 20 July:I am deeply honoured to receive the "Orden del Quetzal".
I have long looked forward to this visit to Guatemala. I regret the last-minute demands on my time, which obliged me to be present at the signature of the Rome treaty to establish an International Criminal Court. Although this forced me to adjust my visit to your country, the establishment of this new body is a success for the international community, of which we are all part.
Guatemala is going through the most promising period of its recent history. I have come to your country to witness first-hand the efforts of the Guatemalan people to bring about profound political, social and economic changes to the country. I encourage you to persevere in implementing the agenda you set yourselves in the Peace Accords. They form an unparalleled blueprint for a more just society for all Guatemalans.
I am aware that this road is not without obstacles and difficulties. The habits of confrontation of the past will not disappear overnight. The benefits of change are often misunderstood. Right now, you are committed to taking very significant steps in the short term: reforms to the Constitution, adoption of important measures regarding fiscal, land and justice issues. We share your sense that they are critical to consolidate the transformations you have started.
I pledge the full support of the United Nations for these efforts, and also for the broad agenda that Government and civil society can carry out jointly in the months to come.
Today, you honour not only me, but the United Nations with this award. I see it as a tribute to all men and women who are committed to peace in this and other countries of the world. It is also a recognition of the work of my Special Representative, in whose dedication and insight I have the utmost confidence.
I wish to take this opportunity to recommit the United Nations to the success of the peace process in Guatemala. It holds the promise of a future where human rights are respected and development ensured for the benefit of all.
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