Press Releases

General Craddock Arrived Today in Guatemala to Evaluate the Assistance for the Regional Center for Peace Operations

Guatemala, January 24, 2006

General John Craddock, U.S. Southcom Commander, arrived in Guatemala on Tuesday, January 24, for a 24 hour visit to the United Nation’s Regional Center for Peace Operations, to be inaugurated in Coban, Alta Verapaz. The U.S.Government’s airplane landed at 1:00 p.m. in the Guatemalan Air Force premises. It then proceeded to Coban with U.S. Ambassador to Guatemala, James Derham, onboard.

The visit to the center is to establish their needs and determine the cooperation the U.S. Government will provide to the peace mission formed by Central American countries. On Wednesday, January 25, General Craddock will travel to Peten to evaluate the work of the Guatemalan Task Force.

Before he boarded the helicopter, General Craddock told the Guatemalan government and military officers, international and local press, that on behalf of the people of the United States, he presented his deepest condolences to the families of the eight Guatemalan Peace Force soldiers killed on Monday in The Congo. He said the United States joined Guatemala in their prayers for the fast and complete recovery of the other five injured Guatemalan soldiers.

“The Guatemalan Peace Operations unit of more than 100 soldiers, currently serving in The Congo, represents Guatemala’s dedication to global peace and security; they deserve our highest admiration for their honorable service”, said General Craddock. “Guatemala’s contribution to promote and protect human rights by improving security conditions in that country, afflicted by the war, is worthy of high praise.”

He added that the contribution of the Peace Force is a reason for all nations to be proud and represents the “unbreakable resolution” for a world free of hostility and conflict. “The United States of America joins Guatemala in their grief for the tragic loss of members of their Peace Force and honors their sacrifice to serve humanity.”

General Craddock has visited Guatemala on several occasions. In October 2005 he came to the country to assure President Berger, high level government officers and Guatemalans, of U.S. solidarity and commitment to continue assisting the victims of the floods and mudslides caused by tropical storm Stan. In April 2005, General Craddock participated in the conference for Central American Defense Leaders, held in Antigua, to share opinions and discuss new challenges and security threats for the Hemisphere. This conference was jointly organized by the governments of Guatemala and the United States. During this occasion he visited President Berger.

The U.S. Southcom based in Miami, Florida, is the United States regional military command that works with Latin America and the Caribbean.