IV
105TH CONGRESS
2D SESSION
H. RES. 421
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives deploring the tragic
and senseless murder of Bishop Juan Jose Gerardi, calling on the Gov-
ernment of Guatemala to expeditiously bring those responsible for the
crime to justice, and calling on the people of Guatemala to reaffirm
their commitment to continue to implement the peace accords without
interruption.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
MAY 6, 1998
Mr. BRADY (for himself, Mr. GILMAN, Mr. GALLEGLY, Mr. ACKERMAN, Mr.
SMITH of New Jersey, Mr. MENENDEZ, Mr. BALLENGER, Mr. MARTINEZ,
Mr. SANFORD, and Mr. DAVIS of Florida) submitted the following resolu-
tion; which was referred to the Committee on International Relations
RESOLUTION
Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives deplor-
ing the tragic and senseless murder of Bishop Juan
Jose Gerardi, calling on the Government of Guatemala
to expeditiously bring those responsible for the crime
to justice, and calling on the people of Guatemala to
reaffirm their commitment to continue to implement the
peace accords without interruption.
Whereas on December 29, 1996, the Government of Guate-
mala 
and 
the 
representatives 
of 
the 
Unidad
Revolucionaria Nacional Guatemalteca signed a historic
peace accord ending 36 years of armed confrontation;
•HRES 421 IH
Whereas the peace accords, which included as the primary
goals lasting peace, national reconciliation, and political
stability for all Guatemalans, are being successfully im-
plemented;
Whereas the peace accords included the creation of individual
commissions to implement a wide range of reforms to the
political, social, and judicial systems of Guatemala, in-
cluding an enhanced respect for human rights and the
rule of law;
Whereas, despite the fact that crime and violence remain
prevalent in Guatemala, the human rights situation has
improved over the last several years, allowing for the cre-
ation of special investigative commissions on human
rights abuses, the prosecution of those involved in past
human rights-related crimes, and the ability of human
rights groups to operate with freedom;
Whereas, in recognition that the human rights situation in
Guatemala had improved significantly, the United Na-
tions Human Rights Commission voted to remove Guate-
mala from its list of countries under observation for
abuses;
Whereas on Sunday, April 26, 1998, Guatemalan Roman
Catholic Bishop Juan Jose Gerardi was brutally and
senselessly murdered just 48 hours after presenting a
landmark report detailing significant human rights atroc-
ities associated with the 36-year civil war in Guatemala;
Whereas Bishop Gerardi, while considered a common man,
dedicated to his ministry, was also considered one of
Guatemala’s most progressive clergymen, an outspoken
human rights advocate, and was the author of the recent
report ‘‘Guatemala: Never Again’’, the first comprehen-
•HRES 421 IH
sive examination of human rights violations committed
during the decades of political violence which engulfed
that nation;
Whereas the slaying of Bishop Gerardi casts a pall over the
effectiveness of the peace accords and raises questions re-
garding the national commitment to human rights and
freedom of expression; and
Whereas the expeditious and successful resolution of the trag-
ic death of Bishop Gerardi is critical for the continuation
of support for the peace accords: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That it is the sense of the House of Rep-
resentatives that—
(1) the Government of Guatemala, including the
national police and the military, should commit
themselves to take all steps necessary to resolve the
heinous murder of Guatemalan Roman Catholic
Bishop Juan Jose Gerardi;
(2) in order to deter continued human rights
abuses, resolve other human rights cases, and im-
prove the citizens’ sense of personal security, the
Government of Guatemala should continue its efforts
to establish effective civilian law enforcement and ju-
dicial institutions;
(3) the Government and people of Guatemala
should make a renewed commitment to successfully
implement the peace accords, especially those ac-
cords concerning human rights; and
•HRES 421 IH
(4) the United States Government should pro-
vide all necessary support to the investigation of the
murder of Bishop Gerardi and to continue to sup-
port the full implementation of the peace accords.
Æ