[Congressional Bills 105th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 421 Engrossed in House (EH)]


                 In the House of Representatives, U.S.,

                                                     September 9, 1998.
Whereas on December 29, 1996, the Government of Guatemala and the 
        representatives of the Unidad Revolucionaria Nacional Guatemalteca 
        signed a historic peace accord ending 36 years of armed confrontation;
Whereas the peace accords, which included as the primary goals lasting peace, 
        national reconciliation, and political stability for all Guatemalans, 
        are being successfully implemented;
Whereas the peace accords included the creation of individual commissions to 
        implement a wide range of reforms to the political, social, and judicial 
        systems of Guatemala, including an enhanced respect for human rights and 
        the rule of law;
Whereas, despite the fact that crime and violence remain prevalent in Guatemala, 
        the human rights situation has improved over the last several years, 
        allowing for the creation of special investigative commissions on human 
        rights abuses, the prosecution of those involved in past human rights-
        related crimes, and the ability of human rights groups to operate with 
        freedom;
Whereas, in recognition that the human rights situation in Guatemala had 
        improved significantly, the United Nations Human Rights Commission voted 
        to remove Guatemala from its list of countries under observation for 
        abuses;
Whereas on Sunday, April 26, 1998, Guatemalan Roman Catholic Bishop Juan Jose 
        Gerardi was brutally and senselessly murdered just 48 hours after 
        presenting a landmark report detailing significant human rights 
        atrocities associated with the 36-year civil war in Guatemala;
Whereas Bishop Gerardi, while considered a common man, dedicated to his 
        ministry, was also considered one of Guatemala's most progressive 
        clergymen, an outspoken human rights advocate, and was the author of the 
        recent report ``Guatemala: Never Again'', the first comprehensive 
        examination of human rights violations committed during the decades of 
        political violence which engulfed that nation;
Whereas the slaying of Bishop Gerardi casts a pall over the effectiveness of the 
        peace accords and raises questions regarding the national commitment to 
        human rights and freedom of expression; and
Whereas the expeditious and successful resolution of the tragic death of Bishop 
        Gerardi is critical for the continuation of support for the peace 
        accords: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That it is the sense of the House of Representatives that--
            (1) the Government of Guatemala, including the national police and 
        the military, should commit themselves to take all steps necessary to 
        resolve the heinous murder of Guatemalan Roman Catholic Bishop Juan Jose 
        Gerardi;
            (2) in order to deter continued human rights abuses, resolve other 
        human rights cases, and improve the citizens' sense of personal 
        security, the Government of Guatemala should continue its efforts to 
        establish effective civilian law enforcement and judicial institutions;
            (3) the Government and people of Guatemala should make a renewed 
        commitment to successfully implement the peace accords, especially those 
        accords concerning human rights; and
            (4) the United States Government should provide all necessary 
        support to the investigation of the murder of Bishop Gerardi and to 
        continue to support the full implementation of the peace accords.
            Attest:

                                                                          Clerk.