UN General Assembly
1986

We proclaim the need for mutual respect. In the interrelated world in which we live today, international organizations issue value judgments on the activities of member countries. On the other hand, on the modern international scene there is no President or Head of Government in the world who does not have to consider daily, to a greater or lesser extent, protests, criticisms, petitions or support from all sorts of groups. Nevertheless, the Democratic Government of Guatemala is not bothered by comments or even criticism which other Governments might voice about its actions as such. He only ask them to be willing to listen to us and discuss our objections; we ask that our realities be respected and that the facts be judged objectively, we have a country with doors open to visitors; we want our true situation to be looked at closely but dispassionately, and any suggestions or contributions aimed at improving our Government's activities will always be welcome. In other words, we ask to be treated with respect and not with contempt because of our past or our sufferings.