Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
03GUATEMALA1609
2003-06-20 18:45:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Guatemala
Cable title:  

COUNTER-NARCOTICS MARITIME AGREEMENT SIGNED

Tags:  PREL KTIA SNAR PBTS KCRM PHSA EWWT EAIR GT 
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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

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