COUNTER-NARCOTICS MARITIME AGREEMENT SIGNED

UNCLAS GUATEMALA 001609 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL KTIA SNAR PBTS KCRM PHSA EWWT EAIR GT SUBJECT: COUNTER-NARCOTICS MARITIME AGREEMENT SIGNED REF: A. SECSTATE 171694 ¶B. SECSTATE 171678 ¶1. (U) Ambassador Hamilton and Foreign Minister Gutierrez signed the bilateral counter-narcotics maritime agreement (reftels) in a ceremony at the MFA on June 19. Signature of this landmark agreement has been an important element in our dialogue with the GOG on counter-narcotics certification. The Ambassador told reporters that in signing the agreement, Guatemala was taking a significant step forward in the fight against drug trafficking and was joining five of its neighbors who have similar agreements. The Foreign Minister commented that reaching this agreement had been a priority for both governments because narcotics trafficking has grown to the point that it threatens national security. Guatemala, he said, needs to intensify its cooperation with it neighbors to confront this international menace. The agreement will enter into force once it is ratified by the Guatemalan Congress. The GOG intends to send the agreement to Congress for "urgent treatment" in a special session. HAMILTON