Homeland Security

DATE=1/31/03

TYPE=LONG CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=GUATEMALA / U-S DRUGS (L-O)

NUMBER=2-299069

BYLINE=CATHERINE ELTON

DATELINE=GUATEMALA CITY

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The Bush administration has dropped Guatemala from a list of nations that cooperate with the U-S war on drugs. The decision has not been well received by the Guatemalan government. It says it objects to Washington's annual evaluations of the country's performance in anti-narcotics work. Catherine Elton has more from Guatemala City.

TEXT: The Bush administration's announcement that Guatemala failed demonstrably to make significant efforts in the war on drugs did not come as a big surprise here.

U-S officials here and in Washington have openly voiced their concern over Guatemala's lackluster performance in anti-narcotics work for months now.

Guatemala's foreign minister, Edgar Gutierrez, expressed his objection today to Washington's annual certification process.

/// GUTIERREZ ACT ONE IN SPANISH ///

He says the government objects to the decertification mechanism because it is unilateral and violates a principal of equality among nations.

Usually, decertification involves a cut-off of nearly all U-S aid. The Bush administration, however, chose to invoke a waiver of these sanctions for Guatemala, citing national security interests.

The decision will help in a nation where nearly 60 percent of the population lives on less than two dollars a day.

But despite the waiver, Foreign Minister Gutierrez says the decertification could still have serious consequences for Guatemala's economy.

/// GUTIERREZ ACT TWO IN SPANISH ///

He says decertification has a negative affect on Guatamala's international image and how it is seen by international markets.

The U-S government's principal concern with Guatemala's record on drugs has been a significant drop in drug interdiction in past years and rampant police corruption.

But in recent weeks, the Guatemalan government and the U-S embassy here have agreed on a plan to strengthen anti-narcotics work. The foreign minister says the plan is already in action and that he expects Guatemala will be re-certified within months. (signed)

NEB/CE/RH