NEWS RELEASES
MINISTER AXWORTHY WELCOMES ANTI-CORRUPTIONEFFORTS OF GUATEMALAN GOVERNMENT
September 19, 1996 No. 169
MINISTER AXWORTHY WELCOMES ANTI-CORRUPTION
EFFORTS OF GUATEMALAN GOVERNMENT
Foreign Minister Lloyd Axworthy today welcomed the news that the Government of
Guatemala has taken significant measures to clean up corruption, notably the
removal from office of senior officials of the armed forces, the National Police
and customs.
"When I met President Arzú and Foreign Minister Stein in Guatemala last week, they
stressed the difficulties that corruption and crime are causing for their
government," said Mr. Axworthy. "I assured them that Canada will do whatever it
can to help them deal with corruption, narcotics trafficking and terrorism and to
establish the rule of law."
Minister Axworthy added that the bold action against corruption taken by the
Government of Guatemala this week is consistent with the commitment and energy
that this administration has demonstrated on this issue. Secretary of State
(Latin America and Africa) Christine Stewart added: "Efforts toward a final peace
accord and this step to fight corruption head-on deserve the full support of the
international community."
On September 12, Mr. Axworthy and Mrs. Stewart met Central American Ministers to
follow up on Prime Minister Chrétien's May 1996 meeting with the Central American
leaders. They discussed political and economic issues, including support for
human rights and good governance and efforts to combat corruption, narcotics
trafficking and terrorism.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Catherine Lappe
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
(613) 995-1851
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
This document is also available on the Department's Internet site:
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca
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