49/236 GA

United Nations Mission for the Verification of Human Rights and of Compliance with the In approving the establishment of MINUGUA last September (resolution 48/267), the General Assembly was responding to the appeal contained in resolution 48/161, which encouraged the international community to provide assistance to the Guatemalan people in achieving their aspirations of peace, national reconciliation, democracy and development. It also expressed support for the negotiating process between the Government of Guatemala and the Unidad Revolucionaria Nacional Guatemalteca (URNG) at a time when four major agreements had been signed. In particular, it took note of the explicit request of the parties to establish a verification mission. The report submitted by the Secretary-General in document A/49/860 indicates that the status-of-mission agreement was approved last January and that on 28 February the Mission was fully deployed. It also notes that the Mission is currently developing projects together with various Guatemalan institutions and is setting up a long-term project for the structural reform of the administration of justice. These projects, as the Secretary- General notes, are essential to strengthen the capability of Guatemalan institutions. Similarly, the report of the director of the Mission, which is brought to the attention of the Assembly by the Secretary-General in document A/49/856, states that among the aims achieved by MINUGUA are the establishment and normal functioning of bilateral working relations with the Government and the URNG; the signature of agreements on security arrangements with both parties; the establishment of close relations with the competent State organs on human rights; and ongoing and flexible contacts with other bodies and non-governmental organizations that have to do with human rights. This clearly shows that MINUGUA is an effective tool for the international community to use in contributing to the efforts of the Guatemalan people to achieve peace. We believe that the presence of MINUGUA in Guatemala is important and should therefore continue. The draft resolution that we are introducing to the Assembly today authorizes the extension of the Mission