NEWS RELEASES
CANADA TO SUPPORT THE GUATEMALA PEACE ACCORDS
December 27, 1996 No. 259
CANADA TO SUPPORT THE GUATEMALA PEACE ACCORDS
Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy will represent Canada, in Guatemala City
on December 29, as a witness at ceremonies marking the signing of the Peace
Accords, which end 35 years of civil conflict.
"I commend the Government of Guatemala and the Guatemalan National Revolutionary
Unity (URNG) on this historic achievement," said Mr. Axworthy. "Canada will
continue to assist the Guatemalan people to preserve peace and build a more secure
society."
Mr. Axworthy and Minister for International Co-operation and Minister Responsible
for la Francophonie Don Boudria also announced that Canada has decided to increase
its development co-operation in Guatemala to support the implementation of the
forthcoming Peace Accords, and to work more closely with the Government of
Guatemala in delivering these programs.
Specific Canadian initiatives would include:
signing of the agreement on implementation of the $8 million second phase of the
Canadian International Development Agency's (CIDA) Local Development Fund, which
assists in raising the living standards of poor, rural, mainly indigenous
communities through productive projects in the agricultural sector;
conversion of Guatemala's outstanding debt to CIDA into local currency funds to
help finance environmental and sustainable development projects. With the civil
conflict over, Guatemala is now eligible for the same debt conversion program that
has helped several other Latin American nations. Projects launched in the region
through this initiative have included reforestation programs, environmental
education and control of water pollution;
support to the Government of Guatemala's planning for the modernization of its
land administration systems by Linnet Geomatics International Inc. of Winnipeg,
with assistance from CIDA's Industrial Co-operation Program, in order to fulfil
commitments in the Peace Accords;
increase of the Canadian Embassy's Canada Fund to provide resources for small-scale peacebuilding projects in support of the Guatemala Peace Process.
In addition to these measures, Canada will be exploring with Canadian business
associations and Guatemalan agencies further action to promote trade and
investment opportunities.
"The Peace Accords must quickly deliver tangible benefits to the people of
Guatemala," said Mr. Axworthy. "This could be achieved through a new sustainable
infrastructure respectful of human security, which would then assure the
appropriate conditions for political, economic and social development."
"It is important that the contributions of the international community be timely
and well-targeted toward areas of particular need and importance to achieve the
maximum positive impact in support of the peace process," said Mr. Boudria.
Minister Axworthy reaffirmed that Canada would remain open to contribute to a
United Nations mission currently under discussion, which would verify
implementation of the ceasefire and the reintegration of ex-combatants into
civilian society.
- 30 -
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
Media Relations Office
Canadian International Development Agency
(819) 953-6534
This document is also available on the Department's Internet site:
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca
| 
