(C) GUATEMALA SIGNS ARTICLE 98 AGREEMENT

C O N F I D E N T I A L GUATEMALA 001055 SIPDIS NSC FOR SHANNON, DOD FOR OGC ALLEN. DEPARTMENT FOR PM/B, L, T, P,D,IO,S/WCI, S/P/PM/AT,OSD/ISP/NP E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/28/2104 TAGS: PREL MARR MOPS KTIA GT SUBJECT: (C) GUATEMALA SIGNS ARTICLE 98 AGREEMENT Classified By: PolOff Robert E. Copley for reason 1.5 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) Charge Bruce Wharton and Foreign Minister Jorge Briz signed an Article 98 agreement on April 28, 2004, bringing two years of negotiations to a successful conclusion. The terms of the agreement require Congressional approval and a Presidential signature to enter into force. ¶2. (C) The GOG has requested that we keep the agreement confidential while it devises a strategy for Congressional SIPDIS approval, anticipating opposition from human rights groups once the agreement becomes public. We will work closely with the Berger Administration to ensure Congressional approval of the agreement. WHARTON