Speeches and Statements

U.S. Embassy Statement Regarding International Adoption

Guatemala, November 28, 2007

"We are encouraged by statements by congressional and party leaders concerning their political agreement to pass Hague implementing legislation at the first extraordinary session of Congress in December. We are finalizing our own ratification of the Hague, and will deposit our ratification documents to the Hague on December 12. Our firm belief continues to be that the Hague Convention provides the best possible protection for all those involved in the adoption process: the children, birth parents, and adoptive families. Guatemala’s approval of Hague implementing legislation will ensure that Guatemalan children who have no permanent family here will continue to have the opportunity for the love and protection of a permanent family in other countries."