SPEECHES AND STATEMENTS

Statement by United States Embassy in Guatemala Regarding Clarification of Recent Reports

Guatemala, September 21, 2004

Elements of recent U. S. government reports have been misconstrued. The United States Embassy would like to clarify the meanings of these reports.

The International Religious Freedom Report states that in Guatemala "The Constitution provides for freedom of Religion, and the Government generally respects this right in practice." This is the first line in the report and the most salient line describing conditions in Guatemala. Areas for improvement are discussed but they are secondary to the overall conclusion that there is religious freedom in Guatemala.

In the annual report certifying our partners in the War on Drugs, Guatemala was certified as an ally in this continuing fight. Guatemala’s inclusion on the "Majors List" is not a criticism; it is a statement of fact that drug traffickers abuse Guatemalan sovereignty by shipping large quantities of drugs through its national territory. This is a classification that Guatemala has had since 1984 and is due to its geographical position in the transit zone between the drug producing nations of South America and the United States where many drugs are destined. It is important to note that last year when Guatemala was certified as an ally after having been decertified earlier in the year, it was with reservations and that the report contained strong language exhorting Guatemala to continue progressing or risk de-certification. This year’s report contained no such language and instead focused on the positive efforts of the current administration.

Both of these reports reflect the belief of the United States Government that under the leadership of President Berger Guatemala is progressing. We place great value on the partnership we have with Guatemala and will continue to work with the current administration to confront the challenges that lie ahead.