Congratulating the people of Guatemala on the second anniversary of the signing of the peace accords in Guatemala.

Congratulates the Guatemalan Government of President Alvaro Arzu, the Unidad Revolucionaria Nacional Guatemala, and all other parties to the peace accords signed on December 29, 1996, in Guatemala, on the occasion of the second anniversary of such accords.

Commends the Guatemalan people for their determination to achieve a lasting peace and encourages their continued strong commitment to democratic principles and social justice for all.

Calls on the Guatemalan Government and all political parties to continue to support the accords and to implement its provisions with respect to providing sufficient budgets for health, education, and security; improving the judicial system; protecting human rights; and strengthening civilian control of the military.

Affirms the U.S. commitment to continue to support a sustainable peace and development of strong democratic institutions in Guatemala.