General information
Part of Conflict: Guatemala: Government
Date of first stated goals of incompatibility: 1982-01-25
Comment on date of first stated goal of incompatibility: The formation of URNG was announced on 8 February 1982, by the four main guerrilla organizations which had on several earlier occasions (in November 1979, May 1980 and January 1981) declared their intentions to unite. The unity agreement came on 25 January 1982 with the declaration to form URNG of these four organizations of the Left: the Guerrilla Army of the Poor (EGP), the Revolutionary Organization of the People in Arms (ORPA), the Rebel Armed Forces (FAR) and a faction of the (Communist) Guatemalan Labour Party (PGT).
URNG announced in a statement widely distributed in Guatemala City that it intended to pursue a "popular revolutionary war" as the sole means left to the people "to free themselves from oppression, exploitation, discrimination and dependence on foreign countries". The statement also denounced "the most odious genocide perpetrated in the whole of the western hemisphere". They claimed that an average of 36 persons disappeared or were assassinated on a daily basis.
URNG announced its five main objectives on a number of radio stations: 1) An end to repression and a guarantee of life , peace and fundamental human rights for all citizens. 2) Provision for the basic needs of the majority of the people. 3) Equality for the indigenous and the White-descended (ladinos) people. 4) The creation of a new society in which all sectors of the population would be represented in the Government. 5) Non-alignment and international co-operation.
Date of first use of armed force: 1982-03-06
Comment on date of first use of armed force: On 6 March 1982, it was reported that URNG had stepped up its activity, particularly in Huehuetenango. Reports from the area indicated that that encounters between government forces and guerrillas were very frequent. First use of armed force, therefore seems to have taken place sometime between February 8 (when the formation of URNG was announced) and March 6 (when armed force was reported).
First Battle Related Death: 1982-03-01
Comment on First Battle Related Death: Most violence in 1982 was directed at civilians accused of supporting the guerrillas. In March the army launched a huge campaign trying to wipe out the rebels in which whole villages were destroyed, it is very likely that the first battle-related death occurred in this period.
Date when dyad reached 25 battle releated deaths: 1982-12-31
Comment on date when dyad reached 25 battle related deaths: Most violence in 1982 were directed at civilians accused of supporting the guerrillas. Information from this period is very biased and both the government and the URNG claim they have inflicted heavy losses on the other. It is very likely that more than 25 battle-related deaths occurred in 1982.
Conflict issues
Conflict Goal Issues: The Unidad Revolucionaria Nacional Guatemalteca, Guatemalan National Revolutionary Unity, (UNRG) were a socialist and nationalist rebel group who established in 1982. UNRG was an umbrella organization to coordinate Guatemala’s main leftist rebel groups into a cohesive organization with the aim to overthrow the Guatemalan government to free the people. During its first year, the group published a unitary proclamation from which the project coded several expressed conflict goal issues. The group called for the rights of the Guatemalan to be respected, including basic needs, civil-, cultural-, gender-, human-, labor-, and religious rights, access to public services, namely health, housing, and education, and freedoms of association and expression. The group also called for a democratic governance structure and ousting of the sitting government, proclaiming its intent to “defeat our enemies, seize power and establish a Revolutionary, Patriotic, Popular and Democratic government.” Finally, in line with its socialist ideology, the group also emphasized their desire to reform the land distribution, as well as the economic system and structure, where the gains would benefit the Guatemalan people, rather than the rich and powerful. The group also expressed a desire to end conscription and rework the military forces.
As the conflict progressed, UNRG expressed several conflict goal issues. The group continued its emphasis on rights, specifically human-, cultural-, and labor rights. The group also reaffirmed its intent on establishing a functional democratic system within the country and began calling for electoral reform to alter several parts of the constitution to improve Guatemala’s democracy. UNRG also continuously called for a restructuring of the military and raised the intent to reform the police force as well. Further calls for constitutional amendments were raised in relation to the power and structure of the military. Calls for freedom of association and expression were not made after the year of the group’s emergence. It should be noted, however, that whilst not explicitly expressed, the group did remain intent on protecting the political and civil rights of the people. There were also no further calls for ousting the sitting government or reforming the executive structure, although calls for opposing the elections of 1989 were made as they were considered fraudulent. As the conflict progressed UNRG called for judicial reform for it to become capable of fulfilling its duties. In one instance the group called for a reformation of the parliamentary system to achieve the same goal. During the same timeframe, the group also called for increased importance and power of the law and courts to hinder corruption and exploitation. Finally, the group called for the decentralization of the Guatemalan state on two occasions, to give more power to regional authorities.
Throughout the conflict, issues of establishing a functional democratic structure, altering the economic system towards a socialist structure, improving the judicial system and legal framework giving more power to the law and the courts, restructuring the military and police force to reduce its power, as well as protecting the rights of the Guatemalan people were heavily emphasized and both frequently and continuously stated. All of these are to be considered main conflict goal issues of UNRG, although the establishment of a socialist democratic system were the most emphasized issues for the group.
Conflict Dynamics Issues: During the year of its emergence, UNRG stated several issues pertaining to the dynamics of the conflict. The group announced its struggle as a way of “massacred populations” to defend themselves and defeat its enemies, implicitly accusing the Guatemalan government of massacring its populace. The group also criticized current military conduct of “forced and discriminatory recruitment for military service”, and announced the group would end its dependence on foreign nations.
For the duration of the conflict, issues of atrocities and abuses by the Guatemalan state and military, continuously referring to massacres, genocides, atrocities, and a permanent state of terror created and enabled by the state. The group also remained insistent on the demilitarization of the country, and on the cessation of forced conscription into the military, which was motivated by further allegations of military misconduct. Throughout the conflict UNRG also began raising issues of collective targeting of people motivated by political adherence or class affiliation. Towards the later stages of the conflict, the URNG began calling for the international community to assist its cause in several ways. The group asked for political support through both action and rhetoric, as well as called for the international community to monitor and investigate human rights abuses perpetrated by the Guatemalan government. Finally, the group also asked for the presence of a third-party mediator, as well as for international support in the negotiation process. On two occasions, URNG also called for the safe resettlement of refugees, both internal and external.
The main issues raised by the URNG pertaining to the dynamics of the conflict were the conduct and structure of the military. The military’s continuous and frequent massacres and human rights violations, and its implicit acceptance from the government, were particularly emphasized by the group. Furthermore, whilst not stated in the beginning of the conflict, the frequency and emphasis of calls to the international community for monitoring of, and investigations into, human rights abuses by the government makes the issue of international intervention a main conflict dynamics issue as well.
Conflict Resolution Issues: Whilst URNG were not interpreted as stating any conflict resolution issues during the year of its emergence, the group stated several issues throughout the conflict. Initially, the group was focused on establishing negotiations and discussing the structure of those negotiations, as well as for the government to recognize wrongdoing and be held accountable for abuses. National dialogue was also emphasized as a conflict resolution issue. As the conflict progressed, all noted issues apart from national dialogue received continued emphasis. However, calls for compensation for the Guatemalan people, and for “the application of international humanitarian law and the integration of the truth commission” to enable truth and reconciliation processes to occur. These statements were also in tandem with continued calls for accountability and prosecution of perpetrators of human rights violations, terror, and its supporters. Calls for negotiations continued throughout the conflict and were combined with statements calling for the implementation of agreed upon peace agreements towards the end of the conflict.
The most heavily emphasized and continuously mentioned conflict resolution issues were the calls for accountability combined with enabling reconciliation and compensation processes for the affected people, as well as the emphasis on the establishment and structure of negotiations. Finally, the implementation is also to be considered a main issue, as it, despite being frequently mentioned only towards the end of the conflict, was heavily emphasized and continuously mentioned for the last five years of conflict.
Type of conflict issues: Conflict Goal Issues: Basic needs, Revenues from natural resources, Rule of law, Water resources, Change a specific law, Change economic system, Change of administrative divisions, Civil rights, Constitutional issues, Corruption, CPS: Democracy, CPS: Other/undefined system, Cultural rights, Decentralization, Disband para-military forces, Economic reforms, Education system: culture, Electoral reform, Foreign policy reform, Freedom of association, Freedom of expression, Gender rights, Human rights, Labor rights, Land reforms, Language rights, Law and order, Opposition to elections, Oust full executive, Protection of natural resources/the environment, Public services, Reform executive structure, Reform judicial system, Reform parliament, Religious rights, Restructure military forces, Restructure police forces
Conflict Dynamics Issues: Atrocities and abuses, Collective targeting: other group, Collective targeting: political, DFI: Removal of foreign influence, IFI: Foreign mediator, IFI: International court/tribunal/investigation, IFI: International monitoring, IFI: Political support, IFI: Use of foreign influence, Military conduct, Return of refugees/IDPs
Conflict Resolution Issues: Accountability/prosecution/investigation, Structure of negotiations, Call for negotiations, Call for truth and reconciliation processes, Compensation/restoration, National dialogue, Peace agreement implementation, Recognition of wrongdoing
Annual information
This section contains annual information systematically collected by the UCDP.
1982
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 25 |
| Best | 25 |
| Low | 0 |
Secondary Warring Support:
Side A (Government of Guatemala): n/a
Side B (URNG): n/a
1983
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 25 |
| Best | 25 |
| Low | 0 |
Secondary Warring Support:
Side A (Government of Guatemala): n/a
Side B (URNG): n/a
1984
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 25 |
| Best | 25 |
| Low | 0 |
Secondary Warring Support:
Side A (Government of Guatemala): n/a
Side B (URNG): n/a
1985
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 25 |
| Best | 25 |
| Low | 0 |
Secondary Warring Support:
Side A (Government of Guatemala): n/a
Side B (URNG): n/a
1986
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 25 |
| Best | 25 |
| Low | 0 |
Secondary Warring Support:
Side A (Government of Guatemala): n/a
Side B (URNG): n/a
1987
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 25 |
| Best | 25 |
| Low | 0 |
Secondary Warring Support:
Side A (Government of Guatemala): n/a
Side B (URNG): n/a
1988
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 25 |
| Best | 25 |
| Low | 0 |
Secondary Warring Support:
Side A (Government of Guatemala): n/a
Side B (URNG): n/a
1989
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 300 |
| Best | 82 |
| Low | 82 |
Secondary Warring Support:
Side A (Government of Guatemala): n/a
Side B (URNG): n/a
1990
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 114 |
| Best | 83 |
| Low | 83 |
Secondary Warring Support:
Side A (Government of Guatemala): n/a
Side B (URNG): n/a
Peace agreements
Name of peace agreement: The Oslo Accord
Date when warring parties signed the agreement: 1990-03-30
Comment of peace agreement: Peace process agreement
The Basic Agreement on the Search for Peace by Political Means was the first agreement in the Guatemalan peace process, participated in by the URNG rebels and the government of Guatemala. It set out arrangements for facilitation of future government - URNG dialogue, confirming the appointment and the mandate of the CNR conciliator (National Reconciliation Commission). It also confirmed the invitation for UN monitoring of the peace process, and outlined plans for a series of consultations involving the URNG and a range of civil and political groups, leading to a direct dialogue between the rebels and the government at an unspecified future date.
Signatories: For the Delegation of the National Reconciliation Commission:
Jorge Serrano Ellías Mario Permuth Eduardo P. Villatoro, Executive Secretary of CNR
For the Delegation of the URNG: Luis Becker Guzmán Francisco Villagrán M. Jorge E. Rosal
Comment of signatories: Comprehensive peace agreement
Under the terms of the 1987 Esquipulas II Agreement, the National Reconciliation Commission (CNR) was established by the government with one official delegate, one representative of existing political parties, one prominent citizen and a delegate from the Guatemalan Bishops Conference (CEG). In 1990 the government appointed its representative on the CNR and called for a summit between the commission and the URNG to prepare conditions for direct dialogue - the Oslo Accord.
Third parties: Norway
Full-text peace agreement
1991
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 85 |
| Best | 72 |
| Low | 72 |
Secondary Warring Support:
Side A (Government of Guatemala): n/a
Side B (URNG): n/a
Peace agreements
Name of peace agreement: The Mexico Accord
Date when warring parties signed the agreement: 1991-04-26
Comment of peace agreement: Partial peace agreement
The Mexico Agreement was the second stage in the Guatemalan peace process, begun in Oslo the year before.The agreement contained no agreements on the incompatibility and instead formalized the procedure under which future negotiations would take place. The formal procedures of negotiations would focus on direct meetings between the parties with the active participation of the Conciliator and in the presence of the Observer. The parties were to always be represented by high-level delegates. The parties also agreed not to abandon the process unilaterally.
The parties also agreed on the agenda for negotiations, divided into substantive and procedural issues. The substantive issues are to be discussed first and include democracy; human rights; refugees; a truth commission; indigenous rights; the economic, social and agrarian situation; the role of the army; strengthening of civil authorities and institutions; and constitutional reform. Procedural issues are to be discussed later, covering arrangements for a ceasefire and for the demobilisation and reintegration of the URNG into normal political life.
Signatories: For the Government: Manuel E. CONDE ORELLANA Brigader General Edgar Augusto GODOY GAITAN Brigader General Mario René ENRIQUEZ M. Colonel Marco Antonio GONZALEZ T Rubén amilcar BURGOS SOLIS Manolo BENDFELDT ALEJOS Brigader General josé D. GARCIA SAMAYOA Julio Arnoldo BALCONI TURCIOS Ernesto VITERI ECHEVERRIA José Luis ASENSIO AGUIRRE
For URNG: Commander Rolando MORÁN Commander Pablo MONSANTO Commander Gaspar ILÓM Carlos GONZALES Political and Diplomatic Commission Luis Becker GUZMAN Miguel Angel SANDOVAL Francisco VILLAGRAN MUÑOZ Luz MENDEZ
For the National Reconciliation Commission: Teresa BOLAÑOS DE ZARCO Mario PERMUTH LISTWA Oliverio GARCIA RODAS Luis MORALES CHUA Monsignor Rodolfo QUEZADA TORUÑO
For the UN: Franceso VENDRELL
Comment of signatories: Comprehensive peace agreement
National Reconciliation Commission (CNR) was established by the government under the terms of the 1987 Esquipulas II agreement.
Third parties: Mexico, UN
Full-text peace agreement
Name of peace agreement: The Querétaro Agreement
Date when warring parties signed the agreement: 1991-07-25
Comment of peace agreement: Partial peace agreement
The Queretaro agreement dealt with the issue of ‘democracy’ and what traits a true democratic society should have.Democracy was qualified as functional and participatory, and the parties agreed that such a society entailed the pre-eminence of civil society, the development of democratic institutions, the functioning of the state as a subject to the rule of law, the subordination of the armed forces to civilian authority, the respect for human rights and the indigenous people’s rights and the enjoyment for all of the benefits of national production. However, no details were provided on implementation, nor were a concrete timetable proposed. Nor was any progress made on core human rights issues such as the establishment of a truth commission, the abolition of the Civil Defence Patrols or forced conscription.
The agreement also stated that there should be an effective resettlement of uprooted population groups.
Signatories: For the Government: Manuel E. CONDE ORELLANA Fernando HUTADO PREM Brigader General Mario René ENRIQUEZ M. Colonel Marco Antonio GONZALEZ T Rubén Amilcar BURGOS SOLIS Manolo BENDFELDT ALEJOS Brigader General josé D. GARCIA SAMAYOA Julio Arnoldo BALCONI TURCIOS Ernesto VITERI ECHEVERRIA José Luis ASENSIO AGUIRRE
For URNG: Commander Rolando MORÁN Commander Pablo MONSANTO Commander Gaspar ILÓM Political and Diplomatic Commission Luis Becker GUZMAN Miguel Angel SANDOVAL Francisco VILLAGRAN MUÑOZ Mario CASTAÑeda
For the National Reconciliation Commission: Teresa BOLAÑOS DE ZARCO Mario PERMUTH LISTWA Oliverio GARCIA RODAS Alfonso CABERA HIDALGO Monsignor Rodolfo QUEZADA TORUÑO
For the UN: Franceso VENDRELL
Comment of signatories: Comprehensive peace agreement
National Reconciliation Commission (CNR) was established by the government under the terms of the 1987 Esquipulas II agreement.
Third parties: Mexico, UN
Full-text peace agreement
1992
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 95 |
| Best | 67 |
| Low | 67 |
Secondary Warring Support:
Side A (Government of Guatemala): n/a
Side B (URNG): n/a
1993
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 86 |
| Best | 58 |
| Low | 58 |
Secondary Warring Support:
Side A (Government of Guatemala): n/a
Side B (URNG): n/a
1994
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 39 |
| Best | 37 |
| Low | 37 |
Secondary Warring Support:
Side A (Government of Guatemala): n/a
Side B (URNG): n/a
Peace agreements
Name of peace agreement: The Framework Agreement for the Resumption of Negotiations between the Government of Guatemala and the Guatemalan National Revolutionary Unity
Date when warring parties signed the agreement: 1994-01-10
Comment of peace agreement: Peace process agreement
This peace process agreement restarts the negotiations in the Guatemalan peace process, negotiations that had stranded in 1993 due to incompatible platforms for negotiations.
The parties agreed to hold new negotiations on the issues outlined in the Mexico Agreement, and to adhere to the procedures of negotiations drawn up in the Queretaro Agreement.
Further the parties agreed that Guatemalan society had played and would continue to play an essential role in the peace process. For this reason the parties agreed to promote the creation of civil assembly that would discuss issues to be included in the coming negotiations.
Lastly the verification mission for the UN was reaffirmed.
Signatories: For Government of the Republic of Guatemala: Héctor ROSADA GRANADOS General Marco Antonio GONZALEZ T. Mario PERMUTH LITSWA General Victor Manuel ARGUETA V. Max KESTLER FARNES Colonel Victor Manuel VENTURA A. Antonio ARENALES FORNO Ernesto VITERI ECHEVERRIA
For the Unidad Revolucionaria Nacional Guatemalteca General Command: Commander Gaspar ILOM Commander Pablo MONSANTO Commander Rolando MORAN
Political and Diplomatic Commission Luis Becker GUZMAN Miguel Angel SANDOVAL Mario Vinicio CASTA„EDA
For the United Nations Jean ARNAULT
Comment of signatories: Comprehensive peace agreement
Third parties: UN, Colombia, Mexico, Norway, Spain, the US and Venezuela and a broad Civil Sociaty Assembly (ASC).
Comment of third parties role in peace agreement: UN observer Jean Arnault was appointed moderator of the talks. Colombia, Mexico, Norway, Spain, the US and Venezuela were invited to be friendly country guarantors of the peace process. The UN was assigned responsibility for verification. A broad Civil Society Assembly (ACS) was charged with discussing the substantive themes, making recommendations to the negotiators and ratifying all accords.
Full-text peace agreement
Name of peace agreement: The Agreement on a Timetable for Negotiations on a Firm and Lasting Peace in Guatemala
Date when warring parties signed the agreement: 1994-03-29
Comment of peace agreement: Peace process agreement
The Agreement on a Timetable for Negotiations on a Firm and Lasting Peace in Guatemala fixed a schedule for negotiations. Although the agenda was scrupulously respected by both parties, the negotiation process extended two years beyond its anticipated completion date of December 1994.
Signatories: For the Government of the Republic of Guatemala: Héctor ROSADA GRANADOS General Carlos Enrique PINEDA CARRANZA Antonio F. ARENALES FORNO General Julio Arnoldo BALCONI TURCIOS Mario PERMUTH General José Horacio SOTO SALAN Ernesto VITERI ECHEVERRIA
For the Unidad Revolucionaria Nacional Guatemalteca General Command: Commander Pablo MONSANTO Commander Gaspar ILOM Commander Rolando MORAN Carlos GONZALES
Political and Diplomatic Commission Luis Felipe BECKER GUZMAN Francisco VILLAGRAN MUÑOZ Miguel Angel SANDOVAL VASQUEZ Mario Vinicio CASTAÑEDA PAZ Adviser
For the United Nations: Marrack GOULDING Under-Secretary-General Jean ARNAULT Moderator
Comment of signatories: Comprehensive peace agreement
Third parties: Mexico, UN
Full-text peace agreement
Name of peace agreement: The Comprehensive Agreement on Human Rights
Date when warring parties signed the agreement: 1994-03-29
Comment of peace agreement: Partial peace agreement
The first agreement signed in the renewed Guatemalan peace process, not counting the timetable agreement, was the Comprehensive Agreement on Human Rights, aimed at strengthening the proliferation of democratic values and respect for the individual throughout Guatemalan society.
The government agreed to adhere to the principles and norms of human rights, and to implement measures and institutions to promote and perfect these norms. The agreement also contained a commitment against impunity, and a commitment to abolish illegal security forces. In addition to this the government was charged with a purification and professionalization of its own security forces. Force conscription was also abolished.
The United Nations was chosen to function as a verification mechanism, to receive and follow-up on alleged violations of human rights.
Signatories: For the Government of the Republic of Guatemala Héctor ROSADA GRANADOS General Carlos Enrique PINEDA CARRANZA Antonio F. ARENALES FORNO General Julio Arnoldo BALCONI TURCIOS Mario PERMUTH General José Horacio SOTO SALAN Ernesto VITERI ECHEVERRIA
For the Unidad Revolucionaria Nacional Guatemalteca General Command Commander Pablo MONSANTO Commander Gaspar ILOM Commander Rolando MORAN Carlos GONZALES
Political and Diplomatic Commission Luis Felipe BECKER GUZMAN Francisco VILLAGRAN MUÑOZ (Miguel Angel SANDOVAL VASQUEZ Mario Vinicio CASTAÑEDA PAZ
For the United Nations Marrack GOULDING Under-Secretary-GeneralJean ARNAULT Moderator
Comment of signatories: Comprehensive peace agreement
Third parties: UN, the Catholic Church
Comment of third parties role in peace agreement: The verification role of a UN mission was defined to encompass all human rights violations committed by either side after its inauguration. Once the agreement was signed, Bishop Quezada and the Catholic Church acted immediately to accelerate the creation of the Civil Society Assembly (ASC).
Full-text peace agreement
Name of peace agreement: The Agreement on the Resettlement of Population Groups Uprooted by the Armed Conflict
Date when warring parties signed the agreement: 1994-06-17
Comment of peace agreement: Partial peace agreement
This agreement focused mainly on a strategy to promote the return of those uprooted by the internal conflict.An extensive strategy was created in order to promote the return of those displaced, and the government committed itself to guarantee the conditions necessary for the safe return of the internally displaced to their places of origin or to another place of their choice, to promote the return of land abandoned by uprooted populations, and to involve them in the design and implementation of a comprehensive reintegration plan. The government also assumed responsibility for decentralizing the state and strengthening municipal government and to request UN support in the design and funding of projects resulting from the accord
Signatories: For the Government of the Republic of Guatemala: Héctor ROSADA GRANADOS General Carlos Enrique PINEDA CARRANZA Antonio M. ARENALES FORNO General Julio Arnoldo BALCONI TURCIOS Mario PERMUTH General José Horacio SOTO SALAN Amilcar BURGOS SOLIS
For the Unidad Revolucionaria Nacional Guatemalteca General Command: Carlos GONZALES Commander Rolando MORAN Commander Gaspar ILOM Commander Pablo MONSANTO
Political and Diplomatic Commission Luis Felipe BECKER GUZMAN Miguel Angel SANDOVAL Francisco VILLAGRAN MUÑOZ Luz MENDEZ GUTIERREZ Advisers Mario Vinicio CASTAÑEDA Miguel Angel REYES Jorge ROSAL
For the United Nations Jean ARNAULT Moderator
Comment of signatories: Comprehensive peace agreement
Third parties: Norway, UN
Full-text peace agreement
Name of peace agreement: The Agreement for the Establishment of the Commission to Clarify Past Human Rights Violations and Acts of Violence that have Caused the Guatemalan Population to Suffer
Date when warring parties signed the agreement: 1994-06-23
Comment of peace agreement: Partial peace agreement
This agreement defined a process for investigating human rights abuses which took place between the beginning of the war and the signing of the final peace agreement and for producing recommendations contributing to national reconciliation. Findings would not individualise responsibility for crimes and recommendations would not be legally binding. The Commission would not have any powers of search, seizure or subpoena and would operate behind closed doors. The content and sources of received information would not be made public. The accord drew sharp criticism from human rights groups and popular organisations. It also did not live up the the expectations of many URNG militants and supporters and produced discontent within the organisation.
Signatories: For the Government of the Republic of Guatemala: Héctor ROSADA GRANADOS General Carlos Enrique PINEDA CARRANZA Antonio M. ARENALES FORNO General Julio Arnoldo BALCONI TURCIOS Mario PERMUTH General José Horacio SOTO SALAN Amilcar BURGOS SOLIS
For the Unidad Revolucionaria Nacional Guatemalteca General Command: Carlos GONZALES Commander Rolando MORAN Commander Gaspar ILOM Commander Pablo MONSANTO
Political and Diplomatic Commission Luis Felipe BECKER GUZMAN Miguel Angel SANDOVAL Francisco VILLAGRAN MU„OZ Luz MENDEZ GUTIERREZ
Advisers: Mario Vinicio CASTA„EDA Miguel Angel REYES Jorge ROSAL
For the United Nations: Jean ARNAULT Moderator
Comment of signatories: Comprehensive peace agreement
Third parties: Norway
Full-text peace agreement
1995
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 27 |
| Best | 27 |
| Low | 21 |
Secondary Warring Support:
Side A (Government of Guatemala): n/a
Side B (URNG): n/a
Peace agreements
Name of peace agreement: The Agreement on the Identity and Rights of Indigenous Peoples
Date when warring parties signed the agreement: 1995-03-31
Comment of peace agreement: Partial peace agreement
This peace process agreement included four chapters outlining wide-ranging commitments to recognize the identity of indigenous peoples, to eliminate discrimination against them and to guarantee their cultural, civil, political, social and economic rights.The accord also established five commissions that were to allow for a strengthening of the groups rights of the indigenous people. The indigenous peoples were to gain recognition of their customary law, listing of indigenous languages as recognized, laws against discrimination, and incorporation of their cultural values and norms into the educational system. Also, land reforms were to be enacted to give land to the indigenous peoples and those who lack the right to own land.
The agreement also stated that there would be a devolution of powers from the state level to regional and municipal levels of government. The reform would enable the indigenous communities to manage their internal affairs within a framework of municipal authority. The powers were to include economic development, health, education and culture. Further there would be a strengthening, within the municipalities, of indigenous customary law to enable them to govern themselves through their own cultural norms.
This accord was unique in Latin-American history and received a cautious welcome from the Co-ordination of Organizations of Mayan People in Guatemala (COPMAGUA).
Signatories: For the Government of the Republic of Guatemala: [Signed] Héctor ROSADA GRANADOS [Signed] Brigadier General Carlos Enrique PINEDA CARRANZA [Signed] Antonio ARENALES FORNO [Signed] Brigadier General Julio Arnoldo BALCONI TURCIOS [Signed] Mario PERMUTH [Signed] Brigadier General José Horacio SOTO SALAN [Signed] Rubén Amilcar BURGOS SOLIS [Signed] Manuel SALAZAR TETZAGUIC
For the Unidad Revolucionaria Nacional Guatemalteca: General Command Commander Gaspar ILÓM Commander Rolando MORÁN Commander Pablo MONSANTO Carlos GONZALES
Political and Diplomatic Commission Luis Felipe BECKER GUZMAN Miguel Angel SANDOVAL Francisco VILLAGRAN MUÑOZLuz MENDEZ GUTIERREZ Advisers Mario Vinicio CASTAÑEDA Miguel Angel REYES
For the United Nations: Gilberto Bueno SCHLITTLER-SILVA Director, Guatemala Unit Jean ARNAULT Moderator
Comment of signatories: Comprehensive peace agreement
Third parties: UN (MINUGUA)
Comment of third parties role in peace agreement: All elements of this agreement that related to human rights went into effect upon its signing and was verified by the United Nations Mission for the Verification of Human Rights and of Compliance with the Commitments of the Comprehensive Agreement on Human Rights in Guatemala (MINUGUA).
Full-text peace agreement
1996
| Estimated Fatalities | |
|---|---|
| High | 13 |
| Best | 13 |
| Low | 13 |
Secondary Warring Support:
Side A (Government of Guatemala): n/a
Side B (URNG): n/a
Peace agreements
Name of peace agreement: The Agreement on Socio-economic Aspects and the Agrarian Situation
Date when warring parties signed the agreement: 1996-05-06
Comment of peace agreement: Partial peace agreement
This partial peace agreement consisted of four chapters. The first chapter outlined commitments to effect broader civic participation at all levels of sub national government. The second chapter promised high levels of economic growth and a restructuring of public expenditure to increase social investment. In chapter three the government agreed to strengthen provisions for popular consultation in rural development, to establish a trust fund to purchase underutilised and undeveloped land to re-distribute to land-hungry tenant farmers, to develop a register of land tenure, new taxes on land, and to implement just and speedy resolution of land conflicts. Chapter four promised increases in the tax base and a range of measures against tax evasion and fraud.
Signatories: For the Government of the Republic of Guatemala Gustavo PORRAS CASTEJîN Raquel ZELAYA ROSALES Brigadier General Otto PƒREZ MOLINA Richard AITKENHEAD CASTILLO
For the Unidad Revolucionaria Nacional Guatemalteca General Command Commander Pablo MONSANTO Commander Rolando MORçN Commander Gaspar ILOM Carlos GONZALES
For the United Nations Marrack GOULDINGUnder-Secretary-General Jean ARNAULT
Comment of signatories: Comprehensive peace agreement
Third parties: Mexico, UN
Full-text peace agreement
Name of peace agreement: The Agreement on the Strengthening of Civilian Power and the Role of the Armed Forces in a Democratic Society
Date when warring parties signed the agreement: 1996-09-19
Comment of peace agreement: Partial peace agreement
This peace agreement, part of the renewed Guatemalan peace process, regulated the relationship between the armed forces and civilian authorities, and included far-reaching reforms of the said relationship.
One of the main provisions was that there would be reforms and a restructuring of the different branches of the armed forces. The first point was the restructuring of the police force into a new National Civil Police with a reformed mandate. The new police force should take into account the multi-ethnic character of Guatemala in its recruitment, but it did not assure URNG or the indigenous population any direct influence or participation. Further the army would limit its role to external defence and adjust its doctrine, training, development, size and budget accordingly. The Voluntary Civil Defence Committees (CVDC) and the mobile military police were to be disbanded and never again recreated for the purpose of internal security. The operations of private security firms would be regulated and forced conscription ended.
The agreement also reaffirmed and further elaborated upon the decentralization of authority to sub-national political entities. Finally it contained a comprehensive package of provisions relating to the strengthening of democratic government covering the legislature, executive and judiciary.
Signatories: For the government of the Republic of Guatemala: Gustavo PORRAS CASTEJÓN Otto PÉREZ MOLINA Brigadier-General Raquel ZELAYA ROSALES Morris Eugenio de LEÓN GIL Colonel (Infantry) Richard AITKENHEAD CASTILLO
For the Unidad Revolucionaria Nacional Guatemalteca: Commander Rolando MORÁN Commander Pablo MONSANTO Commander Gaspar ILÓM Carlos GONZALES
For the United Nations: Jean ARNAULT Moderator
Comment of signatories: Comprehensive peace agreement
Third parties: Mexico, UN
Full-text peace agreement
Name of peace agreement: The Agreement on a Definitive Ceasefire
Date when warring parties signed the agreement: 1996-12-04
Comment of peace agreement: Partial peace agreement
The Agreement on the Definitive Ceasefire finally dealt with the issue of troops on the ground and a cessation of hostilities between the parties. It might be viewed as a consequence of the so far successful renewed peace process in Guatemala.
The agreement dealt solely with the ceasefire and the demobilization and reintegration of URNG members. The ceasefire entailed a withdrawal from the frontline of the government’s forces in order to create demilitarized zones. URNG forces were to withdraw to encampment sites to await disarmament and reintegration into society. An extensive package of DDR activities was agreed upon, with the aim of transforming the URNG into a legal political party. The exact modalities of the integration of URNG members into society were to be specified in a separate agreement.
The timetable for disarmament was 60 days, and would be verified by a UN presence.
Signatories: For the government of the Republic of Guatemala Gustavo PORRAS CASTEJÓN Otto PÉREZ MOLINA Brigadier General Raquel ZELAYA ROSALES Richard AITKENHEAD CASTILLO
For the Unidad Revolucionaria Nacional Guatemalteca: Commander Rolando MORÁN Commander Pablo MONSANTO Carlos GONZALES Jorge ROSAL
For the United Nations: Jean ARNAULT Moderator
Comment of signatories: Comprehensive peace agreement
Third parties: UN
Comment of third parties role in peace agreement: The timetable begun with a definite ceasefire when the UNs verification mechanism were in place with full operational capacity.
Full-text peace agreement
Name of peace agreement: The Agreement on Constitutional Reforms and the Electoral Regime
Date when warring parties signed the agreement: 1996-12-07
Comment of peace agreement: Partial peace agreement
In the Agreement on Constitutional Reforms and the Electoral Regime the parties agreed to prepare the legislative acts that would validate the agreements reached on the armed forces, human rights, decentralization and the rights of the indigenous peoples. These proposals were to be placed before the Congress within 60 days of the signing of the Agreement on a Firm and Lasting Peace.
The agreement also provided for the establishment by the Supreme Electoral Council of an Electoral Reform Commission to review and modernise the electoral process with the aim of correcting injustices within the system.
Signatories: For the Government of Guatemala:
Gustavo PORRASCASTEJÓN
Otto PÉREZ MOLINA
Raquel ZELAYA ROSALES
Richard AITKENHEAD CASTILLO
For the Unidad Revolucionaria Nacional Guatemalteca: Carlos GONZALES Commander Rolando MORÁN Commander Pablo MONSANTO Jorge ROSAL
For the United Nations:
Jean ARNAULT
Comment of signatories: Comprehensive peace agreement
Third parties: United Nations
Full-text peace agreement
Name of peace agreement: The Agreement on the Basis for the Legal Integration of the URNG
Date when warring parties signed the agreement: 1996-12-12
Comment of peace agreement: Partial peace agreement
This agreement contained the specifications for URNG’s transformation into a political party, and the modalities for the integration into normal civilian life for URNG members.
The agreement established the legal procedure for the integration of URNG combatants into civilian life. A comprehensive package of programs for the URNG was agreed upon, with vocational training, education, housing, health, legal assistance and economic projects. It enabled the establishment of a joint government/URNG "Integration Commission" to co-ordinate and facilitate integration projects.
The agreement also established a National Reconciliation Act that would clarify past human rights violations and make extinct criminal liability for URNG combatants.
Signatories: For the Government of Guatemala: Gustavo PORRAS CASTEJÓN Otto PÉREZ MOLINA Brigadier-General Richard AITKENHEAD CASTILLO Raquel ZELAYA ROSALES
For the Unidad Revolucionaria Nacional Guatemalteca: Commander Pablo MONSANTO Commander Rolando MORÁN Carlos GONZALES Jorge ROSAL
For the United Nations:Jean ARNAULT
Comment of signatories: Comprehensive peace agreement
Third parties: Spain, UN
Full-text peace agreement
Name of peace agreement: The Agreement for a Firm and Lasting Peace
Date when warring parties signed the agreement: 1996-12-29
Comment of peace agreement: Full peace agreement
This peace agreement triggered the implementation of all the previous agreements and bound them into a comprehensive nationwide agenda for peace.
In short the final outcome of the peace process were far-reaching reforms of Guatemalan society. The armed forces were subjected to purification and retraining under a new doctrine, the rights of indigenous peoples were recognized, land and social reforms were enacted for the good of the landless and poor, democracy was supposedly strengthened and a decentralization of authority was enacted.
For further details, consult the process agreements leading up to the signing of this comprehensive peace deal.
Signatories: For the Government of Guatemala: Gustavo PORRAS CASTEJÓN Otto PÉREZ-MOLINA Brigadier-General Raquel ZELAYA ROSALES Richard AITKENHEAD CASTILLO
For the Unidad Revolucionaria Nacional Guatemalteca: Ricardo RAMÍREZ DE LEÓN (Commander Rolando MORÁN) Jorge Ismael SOTO GARCÍA (Commander Pablo MONSAN TO) Ricardo ROSALES ROMÁN (Carlos GONZÁLES) Jorge Edilberto ROSAL MELÉNDEZ
For the United Nations:Boutros BOUTROS-GHALI
Comment of signatories: Comprehensive peace agreement
Third parties: Sweden, UN
Comment of third parties role in peace agreement: The agreement was signed in Stockholm. UN was to verify the agreement.
Full-text peace agreement
Name of peace agreement: The Agreement on the Implementation, Compliance and Verification Timetable for the Peace Agreements
Date when warring parties signed the agreement: 1996-12-29
Comment of peace agreement: Partial peace agreement / Timetable agreement
This peace process agreement was a detailed guide for the implementation of all commitments undertaken since 1994. It set out a calendar for their phased implementation from 1997 to the end of 2000 and for the establishment of a Follow-up Commission to ensure that the process is carried out effectively. The mandate of the Commission for Historical Clarification was set for six months, renewable for a further six.
Signatories: For the Government of Guatemala: Gustavo PORRAS CASTEJÓN Richard AITKENHEAD CASTILLO Raquel ZELAYA ROSALES Otto PÉREZ MOLINA Brigadier General
For the Unidad Revolucionaria National Guatemalteca: Jorge E. ROSAL MELÉNDEZ Ricardo RAMÍREZ DE LEÓN (Commander Rolando MORÁN) Jorge Ismael SOTO GARCÍA Ricardo ROSALES ROMÁN (Commander Pablo MONSANTO) (Carlos GONZÁLES)
For the United Nations: Jean ARNAULT
Comment of signatories: Comprehensive peace agreement
Third parties: UN
Comment of third parties role in peace agreement: The agreement requested that the UN established a mission to verify all the agreements, into which MINUGUA was to be absorbed.
Full-text peace agreement
Dyad Archive
This section contains annual information no longer systematically collected by the UCDP.
1982 Dyad Archive
Comment on Active: In Febrary FAR I, FAR II, ORPA, and EGP form the URNG
Negotiations: NO
Comment on Negotiations: No record of negotiations in researched year
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
1983 Dyad Archive
Negotiations: NO
Comment on Negotiations: No record of negotiations in researched year
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
1984 Dyad Archive
Negotiations: NO
Comment on Negotiations: No record of negotiations in researched year
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
1985 Dyad Archive
Negotiations: NO
Comment on Negotiations: No record of negotiations in researched year
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
1986 Dyad Archive
Negotiations: NO
Comment on Negotiations: o Comment: With the newly in power civil government URNG starts to signal that they are willing to negotiate a settlement of the conflict. The government denies the wishes if URNG does not lay down their arms.
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
1987 Dyad Archive
Negotiations: NO
Comment on Negotiations: No record of negotiations in researched year
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
1988 Dyad Archive
Negotiations: NO
Comment on Negotiations: No record of negotiations in researched year
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
1989 Dyad Archive
Negotiations: NO
Comment on Negotiations: Frequent meetings were held between the National Reconciliation Commission (CNR) and the URNG. The CNR also inaugurated a Grand National Dialogue to discuss Guatemalas principal problems. The dialogue involved 84 delegates from 47 civic organizations, organised into 15 commissions. Animated by the Unity of Labour and Popular Action (UASP), and despite boycotts from business, farming and right wing political interests, the process increased pressure on the government, army and URNG to engage in constructive consultation. However, President Cerezo continued to refuse predisarmament government involvement.
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
1990 Dyad Archive
Negotiations: YES
Comment on Negotiations: In 1990 the government appointed its representative on the Commission of National Reconciliation (CNR) and called for a summit between the commission and the URNG to prepare conditions for direct dialogue. Others involving CNR, the rebels and five separate groupings of political and civil society followed this meeting, which produced the so-called ‘Oslo Accord’. These meetings further developed the agenda for talks that was subsequently agreed by the government, army and the URNG.
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
1991 Dyad Archive
Negotiations: YES
Comment on Negotiations: In April the newly elected government of President Jorge Serrano Elías published its Initiative for a Total Peace, which failed to take into account the Oslo Process but gained the support of conservative civil society and led to three days of talks between the government and URNG in Mexico. The so-called Mexico Accord was then signed reincorporating all the substantive issues raised through the Oslo process.
A second round of discussions opened the 11-point agenda, which led to the signing of the Querétaro Agreement. The government gradually hardened its position on human rights and two further meetings in Mexico failed to reach consensus. The Mutual Support Group (GAM) and other popular organisations protested their exclusion from talks.
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
1992 Dyad Archive
Negotiations: YES
Comment on Negotiations: Between August and December URNG and the government agreed on the freezing of Civil Defence Patrols (PACs) and on an investigation on their conduct. Existing PACs would remain and new ones would only be permitted in case of a new rebel offensive. Agreement was also reached, with the intervention of the UNHCR, on the terms of return of refugees from Mexico.
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
1993 Dyad Archive
Negotiations: YES
Comment on Negotiations: Following a coup attempt, former Human Rights Ombudsman Ramiro de León Caprio replaced President Serrano. CNR was then dismantled, the position of Conciliator annulled, and a Government Peace Commission (COPAZ) installed. COPAZ was headed by sociologist Héctor Rosada Granados to continue negotiations with the URNG.
In February and March the Guatemalan Government and URNG held talks on three occasions, hosted in Mexico City, and mediated by Catholic Church Bishop Quezada. They discussed the agenda, ceasefire and terms of mediation but talks were deadlocked and no progress was made. Ceasefire was discussed again on two occasions in Mexico City, once in April under UN presence and also in May, under mediator Bishop Quezada’s presence. Again talks were deadlocked.
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
1994 Dyad Archive
Negotiations: YES
Comment on Negotiations: See also accords of 1994
Several talks between the Guatemalan Government and URNG were moderated by the UN and hosted talks in Mexico City. On 6-10 January the parties agreed to resume peace talks the following month and on a list of topics (among them a HR accord) to be negotiated. Colombia, Mexico, Norway, Spain, the US and Venezuela were invited to be friendly country guarantors of the peace-process. An agreement on the resumption of peace-talks "The Framework Agreement for the Resumption of Negotiations between the Government of Guatemala and the Guatemalan National Revolutionary Unity" was signed on 10 January and it was decided that talks would continue the following month. Talks continued 3-8 March. They discussed an eventual HR accord and a commission to investigate atrocities committed during Guatemalas 33-year civil war. However, no agreement was made. On 25-29 March talks resulted in the signing of two accords: "The Agreement on a Timetable for Negotiations on a Firm and Lasting Peace in Guatemala" and "The Comprehensive Agreement on Human Rights". They also agreed on a broad agenda for talks aiming at definitive peace accords by December this year. On 1-2 June held talks about the resettlement of refugees uprooted during the civil war.
In June several talks, moderated by the UN, were hosted in Oslo, Norway. On 13-18 June URNG and Guatemalan government continued discussing how to resettle refugees and other people displaced during the conflict. They also discussed ceasefire but no progress was made. On 17 June "The Agreement on the Resettlement of Population Groups Uprooted by the Armed Conflict" was signed.On 20-23 June they discussed the setting up of a Truth/HR commission. Sweden sent two diplomats on June 20 to Oslo to assist the negotiations and diplomats from Colombia, Norway, Mexico, Spain the United States and Venezuela were also present. On 23 June "The Agreement for the Establishment of the Commission to Clarify Past Human Rights Violations and Acts of Violence that have caused the Guatemalan Population to suffer" was signed.
On 12-15 September LWF organized a peace hearing in Oslo with the intention to break the deadlock in peace negotiations between the Guatemalan Government and URNG. They agreed to resume talks in NY or Mexico on 26 September.
On 4-9 November talks between Guatemalan Government and URNG were held in Mexico City. They discussed indigenous rights, proposals for the greater political participation of indigenous groups, the official recognition of Mayan languages, and judicial and educational reforms. No agreements were reached, but they decided to meet again on November 27-30.
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
1995 Dyad Archive
Negotiations: YES
Comment on Negotiations: On two different occasions in March the Guatemalan government and URNG met in Mexico and held UN mediated talks. Both sides agreed that UN would draw up a preliminary accord to allow greater indigenous rights for the nations large Indian population -- one of the key rebel demands for peace. On March 26 a preliminary agreement on indigenous rights was signed and 31 March "The Agreement on the Identity Rights of Indigenous Peoples" was signed.
A couple of meeting were held between the Guatemalan Government and URNG in Mexico, one in June and one in the end of July and beginning of August, to discuss socio-economic reforms aimed at reducing poverty that has fuelled the war. The issue was the second on a six-point negotiating agenda approved by the United Nations, mediating the talks. The parties couldn’t agree on land and economic reform issues and thus another meeting was held in Mexico mid August to try to break the deadlocks. Again a couple of meetings on socio-economic reforms aimed at reducing the poverty between the warring parties and under UN mediation took place in Mexico. The issue was picked up again in Mexico in November and there were no significant advances in the talks.
On 22 August the Guatemalan Government and URNG met in Panama and after the meeting they announced a cease-fire over presidential election process from Nov. 1 to 13. On 1 November - URNG declared a 14-day ceasefire to coincide with general elections to be held on November 12. On December 24 URNG announced a 15-day cease-fire for Christmas and elections.
Victory: NO
Terminated: YES
Type of termination: Peace Agreement
Date of termination: 1995-12-31
Comment on Termination: After 1995 the conflict did not cause 25 battle-related deaths. The Agreement on the Identity and Rights of Indigenous Peoples was signed in March 1995; however, the Agreement on a Firm and Lasting Peace signed on 29 December 1996 triggered the implementation of all the previous agreements and bound them into a comprehensive nationwide agenda for peace.
Comment on Termination Date: 1995 was the last active year causing 25 battle-related deaths. Although a peace agreement was signed during the year, the Agreement on a Firm and Lasting Peace signed in 1996 should be seen as the agreement terminating the conflict.
1996 Dyad Archive
Negotiations: YES
Comment on Negotiations: On 6-7 February representatives from URNG and the Guatemalan Government met in Oslo under the guidance of Norwegian foreign ministry, for informal talks to try to revive stalled peace negotiations. On 22-23 February the parties met in Mexico and discussed, under UN mediation, a new timetable to speed up the slow process. The Guatemalan President met with URNG rebels. This was a part of the Presidents two-day visit in Mexico on February 24-25 and he bid the rebels to strengthen the peace talks. On 27-30 March the Guatemalan Government and URNG met in Mexico and discussed social reforms and further talks and on 6 May they met in Mexico, under UN mediation, and held talks about the socio-economic aspects and the agrarian Situation. "The Agreement on Socio-economic Aspects and the Agrarian Situation" was signed on 6 May.
On 7 June the parties met, without UN mediation, in Mexico and discussed the role of the armed forces. On 21-23 June the discussion on the role of the army within the government, its constitutional functions, its modernisation strategy and its presence in the territory continued in Mexico with UN present this time. They also discussed further talks. 5-6 August the future political life of URNG and post-war changes to the army was discussed in Mexico. On a couple of occasions in September UN mediated talks in Mexico on the question of strengthening civilian government in Guatemala and reducing the role of the army. On 19 September "The Agreement on the Strengthening of civilian Power and the Role of the Armed Forces in a Democratic Society" was signed.
UN mediated talks in Mexico in October and November. On 2-5 October the parties discussed the future of guerrilla fighters and on 16-18 October they discussed the return of the guerrilla to the nations political life. On 9-11 November they discussed a definitive bilateral ceasefire. They also set the date for signing the final peace agreement to December 29, 1996.
In December several agreements were signed between the Guatemalan Government and URNG: On 4 December "the Agreement on a Definitive Ceasefire" was signed in Oslo. On 7 December "the Agreement on Constitutional Reforms and the Electoral Regime". No third party was present. On 12 December "the Agreement on the Basis for the Legal Integration of the URNG" was signed in Madrid. The agreement defined the terms for an amnesty for guerrilla fighters and military personnel who committed crimes connected with the civil war. On 18 December "the Law of National Reconciliation". No third party was present. On 29 December "the Agreement on the Implementation, Compliance and Verification Timetable for the Peace Agreements" was signed in Guatemala City under UN was presence.
URNG announced a temporary ceasefire was announced on 20 March because of growing confidence in the progress of peace talks with the Guatemalan government. The URNG did not say how long the ceasefire would last but said it wished to make a "substantial contribution to the peace process". The following day, 21 March Guatemalan President Alvaro Arzu ordered the countrys armed forces to cease counterinsurgency operations in response to a leftist guerrilla truce.
Victory: NO
Terminated: NO
