Statement by Press Secretary Fitzwater on the President's Meeting With President Jorge Serrano of Guatemala

The President met today with President Jorge Serrano of Guatemala to discuss regional and bilateral issues of mutual interest. The President praised the courageous leadership of President Serrano in establishing diplomatic relations with Belize and in working actively for a solution to the protracted conflict in Guatemala. The President noted that these steps will benefit not only Guatemala but the peace and stability of all of Central America.

The two Presidents discussed mutual efforts to support democracy throughout the hemisphere and focused on the need to restore the democratically-elected government of President Aristide of Haiti. The President was encouraged by President Serrano's commitment to improve the human rights situation in Guatemala, and he underscored that continued progress in this area is of central importance to the United States. The two leaders also discussed U.S. assistance to Guatemala and narcotics cooperation.