SG/SM/7468
CA/22

SECRETARY-GENERAL DEEPLY PLEASED WITH SIGNING OF GUATEMALA PACT

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary- General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General would like to express his deep satisfaction at the signing of the Fiscal Pact for a Future with Peace and Development in Guatemala. This Pact, together with the Tax Pact, constitutes one of the most critical commitments in the implementation of the peace accords. The Secretary-General should like particularly to acknowledge the unprecedented and extensive consultation process between and among a wide range of groups and sectors that has led to the conclusion of both Pacts.

In view of the importance of the Tax Pact measures, the Secretary-General is optimistic that the Congress of the Republic of Guatemala will endorse this important further step in the consolidation of peace, social and economic development as enshrined in 1996 Peace Agreement.

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United Nations