24 March 1997

Bonn, Germany: With a $1-million contribution from Spain, UNDP will help Guatemala strengthen its judicial system through training programmes for judges, policemen and public defenders.

The gobernment of Sweden has also agreed to help fund the reintegration of former combatants into civilian life and the creation of a police force independent of the military -- as stated in the December peace accords.

Sweden will also provide $1.5 million to support Guatemalan and Swedish UNVs who will work on peace process activities. Additional Swedish funding will help strengthen legal reform, human rights monitoring and policies that favour women. UNDP Resident Representative Lars Franklin recently signed the new agreements in Guatemala.