GUATEMALA: GOVERNMENT & LEFTIST REBELS TO SIGN AN ACCORD IN MADRID

(11 Dec 1996) Spanish/Nat

The Guatemalan government and leftist rebels will sign an accord in Madrid Thursday on the integration of the guerrillas into civilian life.

The accord is part of a peace agreement to end the country's 36-year-old civil war.

For the rebels it's a major step in the peace process and they hope the government honours the accords once they're all signed by the end of the month.

There are still in hiding despite a ceasefire.

These are some of the rebels from the Guatemalan National Revolutionary Unity - the U-R-N-G.

They have been fighting the government for 36 years, demanding justice for the poor and rights for the country's large indigenous populations.

These days they're putting down their weapons and relaxing in the jungles.

The war is over and delegates from both sides will sign an accord Thursday on their integration into civilian life.

For the rebels it's a major step in the peace process and they're ready to take advantage of their new position.

SOUNDBITE: (Spanish)
With respect to the negotiations, the people have to claim their rights which did not exist. They exist in the constitution, right, but for example, in the Chamber of Deputies there is not one representative that is Maya. So, this is not taken into consideration. So now with all these agreements we have to demand. This is a great challenge for us.
SUPER CAPTION: Lt. Hector U-R-N-G

In their jungle hideout the rebels learn everything there is to know about the peace accords.

For them it's essential to be prepared before they come out of the jungle to face a new life.

The accord on the integration of rebels is the last of three to be sealed before the signing of the final agreement on December 29.

The agreement will put an end to the Latin America's longest civil war.

The rebels now hope the government will honour the peace agreement.

Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork
Twitter:   / ap_archive  
Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​
Instagram:   / apnews  


You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...