Agreement on a Definitive Ceasefire
- Country/entity
-
Guatemala
- Region
-
Americas
- Agreement name
- Agreement on a Definitive Ceasefire
- Date
- 4 Dec 1996
- Agreement status
- Multiparty signed/agreed
- Interim arrangement
- Yes
- Agreement/conflict level
- Intrastate/intrastate conflict
- Stage
- Ceasefire/related
- Conflict nature
- Government
- Peace process
- Guatemala peace process
- Parties
-
FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF GUATEMALA: (Signed) Gustavo PORRAS CASTEJÓN; (Signed) Otto PÉREZ MOLINA Brigadier General; (Signed) Raquel ZELAYA ROSALES; (Signed) Richard AITKENHEAD CASTILLO;
FOR THE UNIDAD REVOLUCIONARIA NACIONAL GUATEMALTECA: (Signed) Commander Rolando MORAN; (Signed) Commander Pablo MONSANTO; (Signed) Carlos GONZALES; (Signed) Jorge ROSAL; - Third parties
- FOR THE UNITED NATIONS: (Signed) Jean ARNAULT, Moderator;
- Description
- Set 60-day timetable for separation and assembly of forces and for URNG disarmament. Demobilisation to commence with a definitive ceasefire on date on which the UN verification mechanism was in place with full operational capacity.
- Agreement document
- GT_961204_AgreementOnDefinitiveCeasefire.pdf (opens in new tab) | Download PDF
Groups
- Children/youth
No specific mention.
- Disabled persons
No specific mention.
- Elderly/age
No specific mention.
- Migrant workers
No specific mention.
- Racial/ethnic/national group
- Groups→Racial/ethnic/national group→RhetoricalPage 1, Whereas:
... The Government of Guatemala reiterates that the incorporation of URNG in the political and legal life of the country, under conditions of security and dignity, is in the national interest, given that it is directly related to the objective of reconciliation and the consolidation of a democratic system open to all, and to the contribution of all Guatemalans in building a prosperous country, a just and equitable socio-economic system and a multicultural, multiethnic and multilingual nation,... - Religious groups
No specific mention.
- Indigenous people
No specific mention.
- Other groups
No specific mention.
- Refugees/displaced persons
No specific mention.
- Social class
No specific mention.
Gender
- Women, girls and gender
No specific mention.
- Men and boys
No specific mention.
- LGBTI
No specific mention.
- Family
No specific mention.
State definition
- Nature of state (general)
- Page 1, Whereas:
... The Government of Guatemala reiterates that the incorporation of URNG in the political and legal life of the country, under conditions of security and dignity, is in the national interest, given that it is directly related to the objective of reconciliation and the consolidation of a democratic system open to all, and to the contribution of all Guatemalans in building a prosperous country, a just and equitable socio-economic system and a multicultural, multiethnic and multilingual nation,
Page 1, Whereas:
... The contents of the peace agreements reflect a national consensus, having been endorsed by the various groups represented in the Assembly of Civil Society and outside it, and thus making the progressive implementation of the peace agreements a national agenda that must address the legitimate aspirations of Guatemalans while uniting the efforts of all behind these common objectives, - State configuration
No specific mention.
- Self determination
No specific mention.
- Referendum
No specific mention.
- State symbols
No specific mention.
- Independence/secession
No specific mention.
- Accession/unification
No specific mention.
- Border delimitation
No specific mention.
- Cross-border provision
No specific mention.
Governance
- Political institutions (new or reformed)
No specific mention.
- Elections
No specific mention.
- Electoral commission
No specific mention.
- Political parties reform
- Governance→Political parties reform→Rebels transitioning to political partiesPage 1, Whereas:
... The agreement on a definitive ceasefire testifies to the decision by the political-military structure of URNG to constitute itself as a lawful political body and to be a participant, together with the Government and civil society, in working for peace, development and the common good,
Page 6, C. Demobilization
Logistical support
29. A commission made up of representatives of URNG and of the Government of Guatemala shall be established under the coordination of the United Nations, in order to provide logistical support to the ceasefire and demobilization process. The number of members of the Commission shall be determined in accordance with needs. - Civil society
- Page 1, Whereas:
... The contents of the peace agreements reflect a national consensus, having been endorsed by the various groups represented in the Assembly of Civil Society and outside it, and thus making the progressive implementation of the peace agreements a national agenda that must address the legitimate aspirations of Guatemalans while uniting the efforts of all behind these common objectives,
Page 1, Whereas:
... The agreement on a definitive ceasefire testifies to the decision by the political-military structure of URNG to constitute itself as a lawful political body and to be a participant, together with the Government and civil society, in working for peace, development and the common good,
Page 1, Whereas:
... During the current phase of negotiations the Government of Guatemala and the forces most representative of Guatemalan society have played a major role in creating the climate of trust which exists between the parties, who recognize that the support of the international community is an important element in the negotiation process, - Traditional/religious leaders
No specific mention.
- Public administration
No specific mention.
- Constitution
No specific mention.
Power sharing
- Political power sharing
No specific mention.
- Territorial power sharing
No specific mention.
- Economic power sharing
No specific mention.
- Military power sharing
No specific mention.
Human rights and equality
- Human rights/RoL general
No specific mention.
- Bill of rights/similar
No specific mention.
- Treaty incorporation
No specific mention.
- Civil and political rights
No specific mention.
- Socio-economic rights
No specific mention.
Rights related issues
- Citizenship
No specific mention.
- Democracy
- Page 1, Whereas:
... The Government of Guatemala reiterates that the incorporation of URNG in the political and legal life of the country, under conditions of security and dignity, is in the national interest, given that it is directly related to the objective of reconciliation and the consolidation of a democratic system open to all, and to the contribution of all Guatemalans in building a prosperous country, a just and equitable socio-economic system and a multicultural, multiethnic and multilingual nation, - Detention procedures
No specific mention.
- Media and communication
- Rights related issues→Media and communication→Media rolesPage 2, A. Ceasefire
Ban on political propaganda
7. During troop movements and once at the assembly points, the assembled forces may not engage in any propaganda or political activities beyond the assembly points. - Mobility/access
No specific mention.
- Protection measures
No specific mention.
- Other
No specific mention.
Rights institutions
- NHRI
No specific mention.
- Regional or international human rights institutions
No specific mention.
Justice sector reform
- Criminal justice and emergency law
No specific mention.
- State of emergency provisions
- Page 10, Page 12, Restriction of airspace,
51. … (a) Military flights over security zones shall be prohibited except in the
event of a disaster or public emergency, in which case advance notice of such
flights shall be given to the United Nations verification authority; - Judiciary and courts
No specific mention.
- Prisons and detention
No specific mention.
- Traditional Laws
No specific mention.
Socio-economic reconstruction
- Development or socio-economic reconstruction
No specific mention.
- National economic plan
No specific mention.
- Natural resources
No specific mention.
- International funds
No specific mention.
- Business
No specific mention.
- Taxation
No specific mention.
- Banks
No specific mention.
Land, property and environment
- Land reform/rights
No specific mention.
- Pastoralist/nomadism rights
No specific mention.
- Cultural heritage
No specific mention.
- Environment
No specific mention.
- Water or riparian rights or access
No specific mention.
Security sector
- Security Guarantees
No specific mention.
- Ceasefire
- Security sector→Ceasefire→Ceasefire provisionPage 1, Whereas:
The definitive ceasefire is the outcome of the concluding of the substantive agreements emanating from the peace process and is also related to the operational agreements on "Basis for the integration of the Unidad Revolucionaria Nacional Guatemalteca (URNG) in the political life of the country" and the "Timetable for the implementation and verification of the peace agreements", according to which the staggered demobilization of URNG forces called for under this Agreement must be started at the same time as the implementation of the undertakings set out in the peace agreements
Page 1-2, A. Ceasefire
Concept
1. Ceasefire means the cessation of all insurgent action by URNG units and the cessation of all counter-insurgent action by the Guatemalan armed forces.
Page 2, A. Ceasefire
Entry into force
2. The ceasefire shall enter into force as of 0000 hours on D-day, the date on which the United Nations verification mechanism shall be in place with full operational capacity. This phase must be completed no later than D+60, with the demobilization of URNG.
3. The parties agree to maintain the current cessation of offensive military activity by URNG and of counter-insurgent military activities by the Guatemalan armed forces until D-day.
4. The United Nations shall notify the parties of the establishment of the verification mechanism as soon as possible so that D-day may be set.
Page 2, A. Ceasefire
Deployment of the verification mechanism
5. From D-10 to D-day the United Nations shall deploy its personnel and equipment in order to verify the ceasefire at the sites determined by the parties in the annexes to this Agreement.
Page 2, A. Ceasefire
Verification sites
6. For purposes of verification, during the period of the ceasefire, representatives of the United Nations shall be present in the military units of the Guatemalan armed forces designated in annex C and at the URNG assembly points specified in annex A to this Agreement.
Page 5, B. Separation of forces
Verification of military units of the Guatemalan armed forces designated in annex C
22. The military units of the Guatemalan armed forces designated in annex C of this document shall be subject to verification programmes by the United Nations during the ceasefire process and shall give prior notice of their movements to the verification authority when such movements are scheduled to be conducted within the coordination zones.
Page 6, C. Demobilization
Logistical support
29. A commission made up of representatives of URNG and of the Government of Guatemala shall be established under the coordination of the United Nations, in order to provide logistical support to the ceasefire and demobilization process. The number of members of the Commission shall be determined in accordance with needs. - Police
No specific mention.
- Armed forces
- Page 1-2, A. Ceasefire
Page 2, A. Ceasefire
Entry into force
3. The parties agree to maintain the current cessation of offensive military activity by URNG and of counter-insurgent military activities by the Guatemalan armed forces until D-day.
Page 2, A. Ceasefire
Verification sites
6. For purposes of verification, during the period of the ceasefire, representatives of the United Nations shall be present in the military units of the Guatemalan armed forces designated in annex C and at the URNG assembly points specified in annex A to this Agreement.
Page 2, B. Separation of forces
Concepts
8. Redeployment of Guatemalan armed forces units: withdrawal means the establishment of spaces in which there is no Guatemalan armed forces presence of any kind. These spaces are to ensure safety and logistical support for URNG in order to facilitate verification by the United Nations.
Page 3, B. Separation of forces
Separation distance
10. Once the assembly points for members of URNG have been agreed upon and the military units of the Guatemalan armed forces referred to in annex C have been redeployed, the minimum distance between the units and the assembly points shall be 6 kilometres, in order to ensure that the operation proceeds without incident. The URNG assembly points shall be located preferably no less than 20 kilometres from the border.
Page 3, B. Separation of forces
Security zone
11. A security zone having a radius of 6 kilometres shall be established around each assembly point in which no units of the Guatemalan armed forces, Volunteer Civil Defence Committees (CVDC) or members of URNG may be present.
Page 3, B. Separation of forces
Coordination zone
13. A coordination zone extending a further 6 kilometres shall be established around each security zone. Movement by military units of the Guatemalan armed forces and CVDCs must be coordinated in advance with the United Nations verification authority.
Page 3, B. Separation of forces
Establishment of assembly points and transit routes
14. Assembly points and transit routes are listed in the following annexes to this Agreement:
(c) Annex C: Redeployment and location of Guatemalan armed forces military units subject to verification.
Page 3, B. Separation of forces
Information concerning troops and weapons
15. URNG shall provide the United Nations with detailed information on the number of troops, lists of names, inventories of weapons, explosives and mines, and all other necessary information concerning the existence of minefields, munitions and other military equipment, both in their possession and in storage. The Guatemalan armed forces shall likewise provide updated information on the number of troops in the units to be redeployed which are identified in annex C. Both parties shall transmit this information to the verification authority no later than D+15.
Page 4, B. Separation of forces
Start of redeployment
17. Redeployment of the units of the Guatemalan armed forces designated in annex C shall begin on D+2 and shall continue until D+10, or earlier, if possible.
Page 5, B. Separation of forces
Restriction of airspace
23. This shall enter into force on D-Day; utilization of airspace shall remain restricted as follows:
(a) Military flights over security zones shall be prohibited save in case of disaster or public emergency in which case advance notice of such flights shall be given to the United Nations verification authority;
(b) Military flights over coordination zones shall be permitted with advance notification to the United Nations verification mission.
Page 6, D. Verification Term
Start of verification
32. Verification shall start on D-day when the ceasefire comes into effect, in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, without thereby restricting fulfilment by the Guatemalan armed forces of their constitutional function in the rest of the national territory. - DDR
- Security sector→DDR→DDR programmesPage 1, Whereas:
The definitive ceasefire is the outcome of the concluding of the substantive agreements emanating from the peace process and is also related to the operational agreements on "Basis for the integration of the Unidad Revolucionaria Nacional Guatemalteca (URNG) in the political life of the country" and the "Timetable for the implementation and verification of the peace agreements", according to which the staggered demobilization of URNG forces called for under this Agreement must be started at the same time as the implementation of the undertakings set out in the peace agreements
Page 2, A. Ceasefire
Entry into force
2. The ceasefire shall enter into force as of 0000 hours on D-day, the date on which the United Nations verification mechanism shall be in place with full operational capacity. This phase must be completed no later than D+60, with the demobilization of URNG.
Page 2, A. Ceasefire
Verification sites
6. For purposes of verification, during the period of the ceasefire, representatives of the United Nations shall be present in the military units of the Guatemalan armed forces designated in annex C and at the URNG assembly points specified in annex A to this Agreement.
Page 2, A. Ceasefire
Ban on political propaganda
7. During troop movements and once at the assembly points, the assembled forces may not engage in any propaganda or political activities beyond the assembly points.
Page 2, B. Separation of forces
Concepts
8. Redeployment of Guatemalan armed forces units: withdrawal means the establishment of spaces in which there is no Guatemalan armed forces presence of any kind. These spaces are to ensure safety and logistical support for URNG in order to facilitate verification by the United Nations.
Page 2, B. Separation of forces
Concepts
9. Assembly and disarming of URNG members: assembly of URNG members shall take place at the points specified by the parties. Their size shall be determined by the number of URNG members to be assembled and shall be sufficient to allow for temporary residence in adequate conditions.
Page 3, B. Separation of forces
Separation distance
10. Once the assembly points for members of URNG have been agreed upon and the military units of the Guatemalan armed forces referred to in annex C have been redeployed, the minimum distance between the units and the assembly points shall be 6 kilometres, in order to ensure that the operation proceeds without incident. The URNG assembly points shall be located preferably no less than 20 kilometres from the border.
Page 3, B. Separation of forces
Security zone
11. A security zone having a radius of 6 kilometres shall be established around each assembly point in which no units of the Guatemalan armed forces, Volunteer Civil Defence Committees (CVDC) or members of URNG may be present.
12. Only United Nations verification units may have access to these zones. Police activities may be carried out subject to coordination with the United Nations verification authority.
Page 3, B. Separation of forces
Coordination zone
13. A coordination zone extending a further 6 kilometres shall be established around each security zone. Movement by military units of the Guatemalan armed forces and CVDCs must be coordinated in advance with the United Nations verification authority.
Page 3, B. Separation of forces
Establishment of assembly points and transit routes
14. Assembly points and transit routes are listed in the following annexes to this Agreement:
(a) Annex A: Assembly points for URNG units;
(b) Annex B: Transit routes by which URNG units are to travel to the assembly points;
(c) Annex C: Redeployment and location of Guatemalan armed forces military units subject to verification.
Page 3, B. Separation of forces
Information concerning troops and weapons
15. URNG shall provide the United Nations with detailed information on the number of troops, lists of names, inventories of weapons, explosives and mines, and all other necessary information concerning the existence of minefields, munitions and other military equipment, both in their possession and in storage. The Guatemalan armed forces shall likewise provide updated information on the number of troops in the units to be redeployed which are identified in annex C. Both parties shall transmit this information to the verification authority no later than D+15.
16. The parties agree to transmit to the verification authority within the time agreed with both of them any additional information required by the authority.
Page 4, B. Separation of forces
Start of redeployment
17. Redeployment of the units of the Guatemalan armed forces designated in annex C shall begin on D+2 and shall continue until D+10, or earlier, if possible.
18. URNG troops shall begin to move towards the assembly points designated in annex A from D+11 to D+21 or earlier, if possible. They shall be accompanied in this move by the verification mission.
19. The Parties shall communicate to the United Nations verification authority no later than D-10 the full programme for the moves of their respective forces (composition, route to be taken, when the move is to begin and any other information needed to complete the verification).
Page 4, B. Separation of forces
Troops to be assembled
20. The troops to be assembled by URNG are as follows:
(a) Members of the various guerrilla fronts or their equivalent in each URNG organization, having command, policy, security, intelligence, logistic, medical service, permanent force and minor unit structures;
(b) Armed elements organized into groups known as local, resistance guerrilla forces and similar groups in each URNG organization, which have been established to provide combat support;
(c) Armed elements organized into groups operating in the urban and suburban fronts of the various URNG organizations.
Page 4, B. Separation of forces
Restrictions on assembled URNG troops
21. Assembled URNG elements undertake not to leave the assembly points without the consent and verification of the United Nations. They may do so if they are unarmed and accompanied by verification representatives in coordination with the Government of Guatemala, in the cases provided for in the following subparagraphs:
(a) Medical treatment;
(b) To hand over clandestine stores of arms, munitions and equipment located anywhere;
(c) To point out areas where there are minefields;
(d) For any other humanitarian purpose, whether individual or collective;
(e) To conduct consultations with other assembly points or working groups.
Page 5, B. Separation of forces
Verification of military units of the Guatemalan armed forces designated in annex C
22. The military units of the Guatemalan armed forces designated in annex C of this document shall be subject to verification programmes by the United Nations during the ceasefire process and shall give prior notice of their movements to the verification authority when such movements are scheduled to be conducted within the coordination zones.
Page 5, B. Separation of forces
Restriction of airspace
23. This shall enter into force on D-Day; utilization of airspace shall remain restricted as follows:
(a) Military flights over security zones shall be prohibited save in case of disaster or public emergency in which case advance notice of such flights shall be given to the United Nations verification authority;
(b) Military flights over coordination zones shall be permitted with advance notification to the United Nations verification mission.
Page 5, B. Separation of forces
Disarming of URNG
24. Disarming shall consist of the depositing, registration and handing over to the United Nations of all types of offensive and defensive weapons, munitions, explosives, mines and other supplementary military equipment in the possession of URNG forces, whether in their possession or in minefields or clandestine storage anywhere.
Page 5, B. Separation of forces
Control of armaments
25. From D+11 to D+42 in URNG assembly points, weapons, munitions and other military equipment shall be deposited in special warehouses designated by the United Nations; combatants, however, shall keep their personal equipment and weapons as long as they remain in those locations.
26. Each warehouse shall have two locks; one key shall be held by the United Nations and the other by the URNG official in charge of each encampment. The United Nations shall periodically check the inventory of each warehouse.
Page 5, C. Demobilization
Concept
27. Demobilization means the ending of URNG military structures in the agreed assembly points. The integration of URNG in the country's political life shall proceed in accordance with the agreement on basis for the integration of URNG into the political life of the country, which is subject to United Nations verification.
Page 6, C. Demobilization
Operational aspects
28. The phased demobilization of URNG combatants and their integration, within a framework of legality, into the civil, political, socio-economic and institutional life of the country shall be based on the provisions of the agreement on basis for the integration of URNG into the political life of the country and in accordance with the implementation of the agreement on the timetable for implementation and verification of the peace agreements.
The demobilization shall be carried out as follows:
(a) From D+43 to D+48: 33 per cent;
(b) From D+49 to D+54: 66 per cent;
(c) From D+55 to D+60: 100 per cent.
Page 6, C. Demobilization
Logistical support
29. A commission made up of representatives of URNG and of the Government of Guatemala shall be established under the coordination of the United Nations, in order to provide logistical support to the ceasefire and demobilization process. The number of members of the Commission shall be determined in accordance with needs.
Page 6, C. Demobilization
Handing over of weapons and munitions
30. Prior to the demobilization of the last group of combatants, and by D+60 at the latest, URNG shall hand over to the United Nations all weapons and military equipment of its forces whether in its possession or in storage.
Page 6, D. Verification Term
31. International verification by the United Nations means on-site monitoring of the fulfilment by both parties of the commitments entered into in this Agreement.
Page 6, D. Verification Term
Start of verification
32. Verification shall start on D-day when the ceasefire comes into effect, in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, without thereby restricting fulfilment by the Guatemalan armed forces of their constitutional function in the rest of the national territory.
Page 6, D. Verification Term
Coordination and follow-up
33. For the purposes of coordination and follow-up the Parties undertake to designate officials, at different levels, to liaise with the verification authority. - Intelligence services
No specific mention.
- Parastatal/rebel and opposition group forces
- Page 1, Whereas:
... The Government of Guatemala reiterates that the incorporation of URNG in the political and legal life of the country, under conditions of security and dignity, is in the national interest, given that it is directly related to the objective of reconciliation and the consolidation of a democratic system open to all, and to the contribution of all Guatemalans in building a prosperous country, a just and equitable socio-economic system and a multicultural, multiethnic and multilingual nation,
Page 1, Whereas:
... The agreement on a definitive ceasefire testifies to the decision by the political-military structure of URNG to constitute itself as a lawful political body and to be a participant, together with the Government and civil society, in working for peace, development and the common good,
Page 2, B. Separation of forces
Concepts
9. Assembly and disarming of URNG members: assembly of URNG members shall take place at the points specified by the parties. Their size shall be determined by the number of URNG members to be assembled and shall be sufficient to allow for temporary residence in adequate conditions.
Page 3, B. Separation of forces
Separation distance
10. Once the assembly points for members of URNG have been agreed upon and the military units of the Guatemalan armed forces referred to in annex C have been redeployed, the minimum distance between the units and the assembly points shall be 6 kilometres, in order to ensure that the operation proceeds without incident. The URNG assembly points shall be located preferably no less than 20 kilometres from the border.
Page 3, B. Separation of forces
Security zone
11. A security zone having a radius of 6 kilometres shall be established around each assembly point in which no units of the Guatemalan armed forces, Volunteer Civil Defence Committees (CVDC) or members of URNG may be present.
Page 3, B. Separation of forces
Coordination zone
13. A coordination zone extending a further 6 kilometres shall be established around each security zone. Movement by military units of the Guatemalan armed forces and CVDCs must be coordinated in advance with the United Nations verification authority.
Page 3, B. Separation of forces
Establishment of assembly points and transit routes
14. Assembly points and transit routes are listed in the following annexes to this Agreement:
(a) Annex A: Assembly points for URNG units;
(b) Annex B: Transit routes by which URNG units are to travel to the assembly points;
Page 3, B. Separation of forces
Information concerning troops and weapons
15. URNG shall provide the United Nations with detailed information on the number of troops, lists of names, inventories of weapons, explosives and mines, and all other necessary information concerning the existence of minefields, munitions and other military equipment, both in their possession and in storage. The Guatemalan armed forces shall likewise provide updated information on the number of troops in the units to be redeployed which are identified in annex C. Both parties shall transmit this information to the verification authority no later than D+15.
Page 4, B. Separation of forces
Start of redeployment
18. URNG troops shall begin to move towards the assembly points designated in annex A from D+11 to D+21 or earlier, if possible. They shall be accompanied in this move by the verification mission.
Page 4, B. Separation of forces
Troops to be assembled
20. The troops to be assembled by URNG are as follows:
(a) Members of the various guerrilla fronts or their equivalent in each URNG organization, having command, policy, security, intelligence, logistic, medical service, permanent force and minor unit structures;
(b) Armed elements organized into groups known as local, resistance guerrilla forces and similar groups in each URNG organization, which have been established to provide combat support;
(c) Armed elements organized into groups operating in the urban and suburban fronts of the various URNG organizations
Page 5, B. Separation of forces
Disarming of URNG
24. Disarming shall consist of the depositing, registration and handing over to the United Nations of all types of offensive and defensive weapons, munitions, explosives, mines and other supplementary military equipment in the possession of URNG forces, whether in their possession or in minefields or clandestine storage anywhere.
Page 5, C. Demobilization
Concept
27. Demobilization means the ending of URNG military structures in the agreed assembly points. The integration of URNG in the country's political life shall proceed in accordance with the agreement on basis for the integration of URNG into the political life of the country, which is subject to United Nations verification.
Page 6, C. Demobilization
Logistical support
29. A commission made up of representatives of URNG and of the Government of Guatemala shall be established under the coordination of the United Nations, in order to provide logistical support to the ceasefire and demobilization process. The number of members of the Commission shall be determined in accordance with needs. - Withdrawal of foreign forces
No specific mention.
- Corruption
No specific mention.
- Crime/organised crime
No specific mention.
- Drugs
No specific mention.
- Terrorism
No specific mention.
Transitional justice
- Transitional justice general
No specific mention.
- Amnesty/pardon
No specific mention.
- Courts
No specific mention.
- Mechanism
No specific mention.
- Prisoner release
No specific mention.
- Vetting
No specific mention.
- Victims
No specific mention.
- Missing persons
No specific mention.
- Reparations
No specific mention.
- Reconciliation
- Page 1, Whereas:
... The Government of Guatemala reiterates that the incorporation of URNG in the political and legal life of the country, under conditions of security and dignity, is in the national interest, given that it is directly related to the objective of reconciliation and the consolidation of a democratic system open to all, and to the contribution of all Guatemalans in building a prosperous country, a just and equitable socio-economic system and a multicultural, multiethnic and multilingual nation,
Implementation
- UN signatory
- FOR THE UNITED NATIONS: (Signed) Jean ARNAULT, Moderator;
- Other international signatory
No specific mention.
- Referendum for agreement
No specific mention.
- International mission/force/similar
- Page 2, A. Ceasefire
Deployment of the verification mechanism
5. From D-10 to D-day the United Nations shall deploy its personnel and equipment in order to verify the ceasefire at the sites determined by the parties in the annexes to this Agreement.
Page 2, A. Ceasefire
Verification sites
6. For purposes of verification, during the period of the ceasefire, representatives of the United Nations shall be present in the military units of the Guatemalan armed forces designated in annex C and at the URNG assembly points specified in annex A to this Agreement.
Page 2, B. Separation of forces
Concepts
8. Redeployment of Guatemalan armed forces units: withdrawal means the establishment of spaces in which there is no Guatemalan armed forces presence of any kind. These spaces are to ensure safety and logistical support for URNG in order to facilitate verification by the United Nations.
Page 3, B. Separation of forces
Security zone
11. A security zone having a radius of 6 kilometres shall be established around each assembly point in which no units of the Guatemalan armed forces, Volunteer Civil Defence Committees (CVDC) or members of URNG may be present.
12. Only United Nations verification units may have access to these zones. Police activities may be carried out subject to coordination with the United Nations verification authority.
Page 3, B. Separation of forces
Coordination zone
13. A coordination zone extending a further 6 kilometres shall be established around each security zone. Movement by military units of the Guatemalan armed forces and CVDCs must be coordinated in advance with the United Nations verification authority.
Page 3, B. Separation of forces
Information concerning troops and weapons
15. URNG shall provide the United Nations with detailed information on the number of troops, lists of names, inventories of weapons, explosives and mines, and all other necessary information concerning the existence of minefields, munitions and other military equipment, both in their possession and in storage. The Guatemalan armed forces shall likewise provide updated information on the number of troops in the units to be redeployed which are identified in annex C. Both parties shall transmit this information to the verification authority no later than D+15.
16. The parties agree to transmit to the verification authority within the time agreed with both of them any additional information required by the authority.
Page 4, B. Separation of forces
Start of redeployment
19. The Parties shall communicate to the United Nations verification authority no later than D-10 the full programme for the moves of their respective forces (composition, route to be taken, when the move is to begin and any other information needed to complete the verification).
Page 4, B. Separation of forces
Restrictions on assembled URNG troops
21. Assembled URNG elements undertake not to leave the assembly points without the consent and verification of the United Nations. They may do so if they are unarmed and accompanied by verification representatives in coordination with the Government of Guatemala, in the cases provided for in the following subparagraphs:
(a) Medical treatment;
(b) To hand over clandestine stores of arms, munitions and equipment located anywhere;
(c) To point out areas where there are minefields;
(d) For any other humanitarian purpose, whether individual or collective;
(e) To conduct consultations with other assembly points or working groups.
Page 5, B. Separation of forces
Restriction of airspace
23. This shall enter into force on D-Day; utilization of airspace shall remain restricted as follows:
(a) Military flights over security zones shall be prohibited save in case of disaster or public emergency in which case advance notice of such flights shall be given to the United Nations verification authority;
(b) Military flights over coordination zones shall be permitted with advance notification to the United Nations verification mission.
Page 5, B. Separation of forces
Control of armaments
25. From D+11 to D+42 in URNG assembly points, weapons, munitions and other military equipment shall be deposited in special warehouses designated by the United Nations; combatants, however, shall keep their personal equipment and weapons as long as they remain in those locations.
26. Each warehouse shall have two locks; one key shall be held by the United Nations and the other by the URNG official in charge of each encampment. The United Nations shall periodically check the inventory of each warehouse.
Page 5, C. Demobilization
Concept
27. Demobilization means the ending of URNG military structures in the agreed assembly points. The integration of URNG in the country's political life shall proceed in accordance with the agreement on basis for the integration of URNG into the political life of the country, which is subject to United Nations verification.
Page 6, C. Demobilization
Logistical support
29. A commission made up of representatives of URNG and of the Government of Guatemala shall be established under the coordination of the United Nations, in order to provide logistical support to the ceasefire and demobilization process. The number of members of the Commission shall be determined in accordance with needs.
Page 6, D. Verification Term
31. International verification by the United Nations means on-site monitoring of the fulfilment by both parties of the commitments entered into in this Agreement.
Page 6, D. Verification Term
Start of verification
32. Verification shall start on D-day when the ceasefire comes into effect, in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, without thereby restricting fulfilment by the Guatemalan armed forces of their constitutional function in the rest of the national territory.
Page 6, D. Verification Term
Coordination and follow-up
33. For the purposes of coordination and follow-up the Parties undertake to designate officials, at different levels, to liaise with the verification authority. - Enforcement mechanism
- UN verification provided for throughout
- Related cases
No specific mention.
- Source
- United States Institute of Peace (1998) Peace Agreements: Guatemala - Peace Agreements Digital Collection. Available at: https://www.usip.org/publications/1998/11/peace-agreements-guatemala (Accessed 14 October 2020).
Agreement on the definitive ceasefire
Whereas:
The definitive ceasefire is the outcome of the concluding of the substantive agreements emanating from the peace process and is also related to the operational agreements on "Basis for the integration of the Unidad Revolucionaria Nacional Guatemalteca (URNG) in the political life of the country" and the "Timetable for the implementation and verification of the peace agreements", according to which the staggered demobilization of URNG forces called for under this Agreement must be started at the same time as the implementation of the undertakings set out in the peace agreements
The Government of Guatemala reiterates that the incorporation of URNG in the political and legal life of the country, under conditions of security and dignity, is in the national interest, given that it is directly related to the objective of reconciliation and the consolidation of a democratic system open to all, and to the contribution of all Guatemalans in building a prosperous country, a just and equitable socio-economic system and a multicultural, multiethnic and multilingual nation,
The contents of the peace agreements reflect a national consensus, having been endorsed by the various groups represented in the Assembly of Civil Society and outside it, and thus making the progressive implementation of the peace agreements a national agenda that must address the legitimate aspirations of Guatemalans while uniting the efforts of all behind these common objectives,
The agreement on a definitive ceasefire testifies to the decision by the political-military structure of URNG to constitute itself as a lawful political body and to be a participant, together with the Government and civil society, in working for peace, development and the common good,
During the current phase of negotiations the Government of Guatemala and the forces most representative of Guatemalan society have played a major role in creating the climate of trust which exists between the parties, who recognize that the support of the international community is an important element in the negotiation process,
The Government of Guatemala and the Unidad Revolucionaria Nacional Guatemalteca (hereinafter "the parties") have agreed as follows:
A. Ceasefire
Concept
1. Ceasefire means the cessation of all insurgent action by URNG units and the cessation of all counter-insurgent action by the Guatemalan armed forces.
Entry into force
2. The ceasefire shall enter into force as of 0000 hours on D-day, the date on which the United Nations verification mechanism shall be in place with full operational capacity.
This phase must be completed no later than D+60, with the demobilization of URNG.
3. The parties agree to maintain the current cessation of offensive military activity by URNG and of counter-insurgent military activities by the Guatemalan armed forces until D-day.
4. The United Nations shall notify the parties of the establishment of the verification mechanism as soon as possible so that D-day may be set.
Deployment of the verification mechanism
5. From D-10 to D-day the United Nations shall deploy its personnel and equipment in order to verify the ceasefire at the sites determined by the parties in the annexes to this Agreement.
Verification sites
6. For purposes of verification, during the period of the ceasefire, representatives of the United Nations shall be present in the military units of the Guatemalan armed forces designated in annex C and at the URNG assembly points specified in annex A to this Agreement.
Ban on political propaganda
7. During troop movements and once at the assembly points, the assembled forces may not engage in any propaganda or political activities beyond the assembly points.
B. Separation of forces
Concepts
8. Redeployment of Guatemalan armed forces units:
withdrawal means the establishment of spaces in which there is no Guatemalan armed forces presence of any kind.
These spaces are to ensure safety and logistical support for URNG in order to facilitate verification by the United Nations.
9. Assembly and disarming of URNG members:
assembly of URNG members shall take place at the points specified by the parties.
Their size shall be determined by the number of URNG members to be assembled and shall be sufficient to allow for temporary residence in adequate conditions.
Separation distance
10. Once the assembly points for members of URNG have been agreed upon and the military units of the Guatemalan armed forces referred to in annex C have been redeployed, the minimum distance between the units and the assembly points shall be 6 kilometres, in order to ensure that the operation proceeds without incident.
The URNG assembly points shall be located preferably no less than 20 kilometres from the border.
Security zone
11. A security zone having a radius of 6 kilometres shall be established around each assembly point in which no units of the Guatemalan armed forces, Volunteer Civil Defence Committees (CVDC) or members of URNG may be present.
12. Only United Nations verification units may have access to these zones.
Police activities may be carried out subject to coordination with the United Nations verification authority.
Coordination zone
13. A coordination zone extending a further 6 kilometres shall be established around each security zone.
Movement by military units of the Guatemalan armed forces and CVDCs must be coordinated in advance with the United Nations verification authority.
Establishment of assembly points and transit routes
14. Assembly points and transit routes are listed in the following annexes to this Agreement:
(a) Annex A:
Assembly points for URNG units;
(b) Annex B:
Transit routes by which URNG units are to travel to the assembly points;
(c) Annex C:
Redeployment and location of Guatemalan armed forces military units subject to verification.
Information concerning troops and weapons
15. URNG shall provide the United Nations with detailed information on the number of troops, lists of names, inventories of weapons, explosives and mines, and all other necessary information concerning the existence of minefields, munitions and other military equipment, both in their possession and in storage.
The Guatemalan armed forces shall likewise provide updated information on the number of troops in the units to be redeployed which are identified in annex C. Both parties shall transmit this information to the verification authority no later than D+15.
16. The parties agree to transmit to the verification authority within the time agreed with both of them any additional information required by the authority.
Start of redeployment
17. Redeployment of the units of the Guatemalan armed forces designated in annex C shall begin on D+2 and shall continue until D+10, or earlier, if possible.
18. URNG troops shall begin to move towards the assembly points designated in annex A from D+11 to D+21 or earlier, if possible.
They shall be accompanied in this move by the verification mission.
19. The Parties shall communicate to the United Nations verification authority no later than D-10 the full programme for the moves of their respective forces (composition, route to be taken, when the move is to begin and any other information needed to complete the verification).
Troops to be assembled
20. The troops to be assembled by URNG are as follows:
(a) Members of the various guerrilla fronts or their equivalent in each URNG organization, having command, policy, security, intelligence, logistic, medical service, permanent force and minor unit structures;
(b) Armed elements organized into groups known as local, resistance guerrilla forces and similar groups in each URNG organization, which have been established to provide combat support;
(c) Armed elements organized into groups operating in the urban and suburban fronts of the various URNG organizations.
Restrictions on assembled URNG troops
21. Assembled URNG elements undertake not to leave the assembly points without the consent and verification of the United Nations.
They may do so if they are unarmed and accompanied by verification representatives in coordination with the Government of Guatemala, in the cases provided for in the following subparagraphs:
(a) Medical treatment;
(b) To hand over clandestine stores of arms, munitions and equipment located anywhere;
(c) To point out areas where there are minefields;
(d) For any other humanitarian purpose, whether individual or collective;
(e) To conduct consultations with other assembly points or working groups.
Verification of military units of the Guatemalan armed forces designated in annex C
22. The military units of the Guatemalan armed forces designated in annex C of this document shall be subject to verification programmes by the United Nations during the ceasefire process and shall give prior notice of their movements to the verification authority when such movements are scheduled to be conducted within the coordination zones.
Restriction of airspace
23. This shall enter into force on D-Day;
utilization of airspace shall remain restricted as follows:
(a) Military flights over security zones shall be prohibited save in case of disaster or public emergency in which case advance notice of such flights shall be given to the United Nations verification authority;
(b) Military flights over coordination zones shall be permitted with advance notification to the United Nations verification mission.
Disarming of URNG
24. Disarming shall consist of the depositing, registration and handing over to the United Nations of all types of offensive and defensive weapons, munitions, explosives, mines and other supplementary military equipment in the possession of URNG forces, whether in their possession or in minefields or clandestine storage anywhere.
Control of armaments
25. From D+11 to D+42 in URNG assembly points, weapons, munitions and other military equipment shall be deposited in special warehouses designated by the United Nations;
combatants, however, shall keep their personal equipment and weapons as long as they remain in those locations.
26. Each warehouse shall have two locks;
one key shall be held by the United Nations and the other by the URNG official in charge of each encampment.
The United Nations shall periodically check the inventory of each warehouse.
C. Demobilization Concept
27. Demobilization means the ending of URNG military structures in the agreed assembly points.
The integration of URNG in the country's political life shall proceed in accordance with the agreement on basis for the integration of URNG into the political life of the country, which is subject to United Nations verification.
Operational aspects
28. The phased demobilization of URNG combatants and their integration, within a framework of legality, into the civil, political, socio-economic and institutional life of the country shall be based on the provisions of the agreement on basis for the integration of URNG into the political life of the country and in accordance with the implementation of the agreement on the timetable for implementation and verification of the peace agreements.
The demobilization shall be carried out as follows:
(a) From D+43 to D+48:
33 per cent;
(b) From D+49 to D+54:
66 per cent;
(c) From D+55 to D+60:
100 per cent.
Logistical support
29. A commission made up of representatives of URNG and of the Government of Guatemala shall be established under the coordination of the United Nations, in order to provide logistical support to the ceasefire and demobilization process.
The number of members of the Commission shall be determined in accordance with needs.
Handing over of weapons and munitions
30. Prior to the demobilization of the last group of combatants, and by D+60 at the latest, URNG shall hand over to the United Nations all weapons and military equipment of its forces whether in its possession or in storage.
D. Verification Term
31. International verification by the United Nations means on-site monitoring of the fulfilment by both parties of the commitments entered into in this Agreement.
Start of verification
32. Verification shall start on D-day when the ceasefire comes into effect, in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, without thereby restricting fulfilment by the Guatemalan armed forces of their constitutional function in the rest of the national territory.
Coordination and follow-up
33. For the purposes of coordination and follow-up the Parties undertake to designate officials, at different levels, to liaise with the verification authority.
E. Final provision
This Agreement shall be part of the Agreement on a firm and lasting peace and shall enter into force when the latter is signed.
Oslo, 4 December 1996
FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF GUATEMALA
(Signed) Gustavo PORRAS CASTEJÓN
(Signed) Otto PÉREZ MOLINA Brigadier General
(Signed) Raquel ZELAYA ROSALES
(Signed) Richard AITKENHEAD CASTILLO
FOR THE UNIDAD REVOLUCIONARIA NACIONAL GUATEMALTECA
(Signed) Commander Rolando MORAN
(Signed) Commander Pablo MONSANTO
(Signed) Carlos GONZALES
(Signed) Jorge ROSAL
FOR THE UNITED NATIONS
(Signed) Jean ARNAULT
Moderator