Political Quotes

“I am pleased that, despite the hectic and trend-setting legislative pace, we have found the time today to take up House Concurrent Resolution 17 to congratulate the people of Guatemala on the establishment of the peace process for that nation. After 36 years of civil war, Guatemala has finally had a chance for a lasting peace. The URNG has agreed to demobilize and in fact the first URNG combatants are entering demobilization camps this week. The Guatemalan military has agreed to reduce its size by one-third, and the United States has pledged $265 million over 4 years for reconstruction. Even before the signing of the peace accords, the human rights situation in Guatemala had improved dramatically as a result of the cessation of hostilities last March. The government of President Arzu has moved aggressively to restructure the military command by reducing the number of general officers from 23 to 8 and removing those officers alleged to be involved in corruption or other abuses. But there is still a long way to go. Guatemala continues to suffer from a marked disparity in income distribution, and poverty is pervasive. According to AID, 75 percent of Guatemala's population live in poverty. Only 48 percent of its adults are literate, and its infant mortality rate is among the highest in Latin America. Yet despite of all this, or perhaps because of it, Guatemalans have chosen peace and democracy. They are to be congratulated for that choice.”