SECRETARY-GENERAL ENCOURAGES AUTHORITIES TO MOVE FORWARD RESOLUTELY IN IMPLEMENTATION OF PEACE AGENDA IN GUATEMALA

Press Release
SG/SM/7279
CA/21

SECRETARY-GENERAL ENCOURAGES AUTHORITIES TO MOVE FORWARD RESOLUTELY IN IMPLEMENTATION OF PEACE AGENDA IN GUATEMALA

The following statement was issued today by Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

On 14 January, Alfonso Portillo took office as the President of Guatemala. In his inaugural address, the new President reaffirmed strongly the validity of the peace agreements and his commitment to their full implementation. In particular, he has announced a broad array of measures in the field of military reform, such as the dismantling of the Presidential Military Staff, and the establishment of a mechanism to follow up on the recommendations of the Historical Clarification Commission, whose report was submitted last year.

In addition, the Secretary-General has taken note with satisfaction of the statements made by President Portillo on important issues such as the struggle against impunity and the investigation of the murder of Monsignor Juan Gerardi, the promotion of national reconciliation and reparations to the victims of the civil conflict, the rights of women and indigenous peoples, the fiscal pact and the urgency of a comprehensive policy to address the needs of those most affected by poverty and extreme poverty. The Secretary-General welcomes these announcements and reiterates his commitment and that of the United Nations to the agenda of democratic transformation contained in the Peace Accords. The Secretary-General encourages the authorities to move forward resolutely in the implementation of the peace agenda.

* *** *