(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