Statement by Press Secretary/Director-General for Press and Public Relations of the Foreign Ministry on the killing of Bishop Gerardi in Guatemala

May 12, 1998

1. The Government of Japan expresses its sincere condolences to the people of the Republic of Guatemala for the killing of Bishop Juan José Gerardi Conedera on April 26, who had made long-time efforts to improve the human rights situation in Guatemala.
   
   
2. Since the peace agreement in December, 1996, the Government and the people of Guatemala have been investigating cases of human rights violations committed during the civil war to bring about reconciliation among the people and to establish firm peace. This murder of Bishop Gerardi is a heinous incident which could have an adverse effect on the peace process. The Government of Japan expresses its deep concern.
   
   
3. Taking account of the serious effect of the crime on the Guatemalan society, the Government of Japan hopes that the truth about this event will be brought to light impartially and quickly. The Government of Japan also strongly hopes and believes that the Government of Guatemala will continue to steadily implement the peace-related agreements so that peace will be firmly rooted in the Guatemalan society.