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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary


For Immediate Release September 18, 1996

STATEMENT BY THE PRESS SECRETARY

The President today welcomed the Guatemalan accord on Strengthening Democratic Institutions and the Role of the Military in Civil Society, calling it "another milestone on the road to a just and lasting peace in Guatemala." The accord will be signed tomorrow in Mexico City by representatives of the Government of Guatemala and the URNG (Guatemalan National Revolutionary Unity) guerrillas.

As a member of the Group of Friends, we congratulate the Government of Guatemala and the URNG for their commitment to complete the remaining negotiations and sign a comprehensive peace accord as quickly as possible. A firm and durable peace is the first crucial step toward national reconciliation in Guatemala, and will help the country achieve economic development and full respect for human rights.

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