Basic Agreement for the Search for Peace by Political Means ('Oslo Agreement')

  • Country/entity
    Guatemala
  • Region
    Americas
  • Agreement name
    Basic Agreement for the Search for Peace by Political Means ('Oslo Agreement')
  • Date
    30 Mar 1990
  • Agreement status
    Multiparty signed/agreed
  • Interim arrangement
    Yes
  • Agreement/conflict level
    Intrastate/intrastate conflict ( Guatemalan Civil War (1960 - 1996) )
  • Stage
    Pre-negotiation/process
  • Conflict nature
    Government
  • Peace process
    Guatemala peace process
  • Parties
    Delegation of the National Reconciliation Commission of Guatemala, representing the Guatemalan Government: (Signad) Jorge SERRANO ELIAS; (Signed) Mario PERMUTH; (Signid) Eduardo P. VILLATORO;
    Delegation of the General Command of the Unidad Revolucionaria Nacional Guatemalteca: (Signed) Luis DECKER GUZMAN; (Signed) Francisco VILLAGRAN; (Signed) Jorge E. ROSAL;

    For the delegation of the National Reconciliation Commission: (Signed) Jorge SERRANO ELIAS; (Signed) Mario PERMUTH; (Signed) Eduardo P. VILLATORO Executive Secretary of CNR;
    For the delegation of the Unidad Revolucionaria Nacional Guatemalteca: (Signed) Luis BECKER GUZMAN; (Signed) Francisco VILLAGRAN M.; (Signer) Jorge E. ROSAL;
  • Third parties
    UN (observer), National Reconciliation Commission (conciliator)
  • Description
    Sets out arrangements for facilitation of future dialogue and confirms appointment and mandate of National Reconciliation Committee (CNR) Conciliator and invitation of UN monitoring force. Outlines plans for series of consultations involving Guatemalan National Revolutionary Unity (URNG) and a range of civil and political groups leading to direct dialogue with the government at an unspecified future date.


Groups

  • Children/youth

    No specific mention.

  • Disabled persons

    No specific mention.

  • Elderly/age

    No specific mention.

  • Migrant workers

    No specific mention.

  • Racial/ethnic/national group

    No specific mention.

  • Religious groups
    Groups→Religious groups→Substantive
    Page 2-3, ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT
    The two delegations agree to launch activities which will generate conditions permitting the definitive attainment of peace and the enhancement of democracy.
    (b) The National Reconciliation Commission shall, by mutual agreement with URNG, create the mechanisms required for the convening, preferably in June 1990, of the necessary meetings between the Unidad Revolucionaria Nacional Guatemalteca and representatives of the country's popular, religious and business sectors, as well as other politically representative entities, with a view to finding ways of solving the nation's problems.
  • Indigenous people

    No specific mention.

  • Other groups

    No specific mention.

  • Refugees/displaced persons

    No specific mention.

  • Social class

    No specific mention.


Gender

  • Women, girls and gender

    No specific mention.

  • Men and boys

    No specific mention.

  • LGBTI

    No specific mention.

  • Family

    No specific mention.


State definition

  • Nature of state (general)

    No specific mention.

  • State configuration

    No specific mention.

  • Self determination

    No specific mention.

  • Referendum

    No specific mention.

  • State symbols

    No specific mention.

  • Independence/secession

    No specific mention.

  • Accession/unification

    No specific mention.

  • Border delimitation

    No specific mention.

  • Cross-border provision

    No specific mention.


Governance

  • Political institutions (new or reformed)

    No specific mention.

  • Elections

    No specific mention.

  • Electoral commission

    No specific mention.

  • Political parties reform

    No specific mention.

  • Civil society
    note of thanks for support and solidarity of the Norwegian Church and its Council for External Relations, and the Bishop of Oslo, for hosting Talks. 'Activities to be Carried Out' (b) National Reconciliation Commission to convene meetings between URNG and reps of country's popular, religious, and business sectors, with a view to finding ways to resolve the nation's problems;

    Page 2-3, ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT
    The two delegations agree to launch activities which will generate conditions permitting the definitive attainment of peace and the enhancement of democracy.
    (b) The National Reconciliation Commission shall, by mutual agreement with URNG, create the mechanisms required for the convening, preferably in June 1990, of the necessary meetings between the Unidad Revolucionaria Nacional Guatemalteca and representatives of the country's popular, religious and business sectors, as well as other politically representative entities, with a view to finding ways of solving the nation's problems.
  • Traditional/religious leaders
    Page 1, Untitled Preamble
    ... Thanks are also due to the Lutheran World Federation, which sponsored and made this meeting possible by virtue of its persistent efforts. We mention especially its Secretary-General, Dr. Gunnar Salsett, the Under-Secretary-General for International Affairs and Human Rights, Dr. Paul Wee, and Dr. Leopoldo J. Niilus, Special Adviser on International Affairs to the Lutheran World Federation.
    We are grateful too for the support and solidarity of the Norwegian Church and its Council for External Relations. Our thanks also go to the Reverend Andreas Aarflot, Bishop of Oslo.

    Page 2-3, ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT
    The two delegations agree to launch activities which will generate conditions permitting the definitive attainment of peace and the enhancement of democracy.
    (b) The National Reconciliation Commission shall, by mutual agreement with URNG, create the mechanisms required for the convening, preferably in June 1990, of the necessary meetings between the Unidad Revolucionaria Nacional Guatemalteca and representatives of the country's popular, religious and business sectors, as well as other politically representative entities, with a view to finding ways of solving the nation's problems.
  • Public administration

    No specific mention.

  • Constitution

    No specific mention.


Power sharing

  • Political power sharing

    No specific mention.

  • Territorial power sharing

    No specific mention.

  • Economic power sharing

    No specific mention.

  • Military power sharing

    No specific mention.


Human rights and equality

  • Human rights/RoL general

    No specific mention.

  • Bill of rights/similar

    No specific mention.

  • Treaty incorporation

    No specific mention.

  • Civil and political rights

    No specific mention.

  • Socio-economic rights

    No specific mention.


Rights related issues

  • Citizenship

    No specific mention.

  • Democracy
    Page 2, BASIC AGREEMENT FOR THE SEARCH FOR PEACE BY POLITICAL MEANS
    In the city of Oslo, Norway, the delegation of the National Reconciliation Commission (CNR) of Guatemala, acting with the full support of the Government of the Republic of Guatemala and in the conciliatory role attributed to it under the Esquipulas II Agreement, and the delegation of the Unidad Revolucionaria Nacional Guatemalteca (URNG), with the full support of its General Command, having met from 26 to 30 March 1990 expressly for the purpose of finding ways to bring about a peaceful solution of the nation's problems by political means, and recognizing that this objective is fundamental to the achievement of reconciliation between Guatemalans and to the solution of the nation's problems, do agree to initiate a serious process which will culminate in the attainment of peace and the enhancement of functional and participatory democracy in Guatemala.

    Page 2, ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT
    The two delegations agree to launch activities which will generate conditions permitting the definitive attainment of peace and the enhancement of democracy.
  • Detention procedures

    No specific mention.

  • Media and communication

    No specific mention.

  • Mobility/access

    No specific mention.

  • Protection measures

    No specific mention.

  • Other

    No specific mention.


Rights institutions

  • NHRI

    No specific mention.

  • Regional or international human rights institutions

    No specific mention.


Justice sector reform

  • Criminal justice and emergency law

    No specific mention.

  • State of emergency provisions

    No specific mention.

  • Judiciary and courts

    No specific mention.

  • Prisons and detention

    No specific mention.

  • Traditional Laws

    No specific mention.


Socio-economic reconstruction

  • Development or socio-economic reconstruction

    No specific mention.

  • National economic plan

    No specific mention.

  • Natural resources

    No specific mention.

  • International funds

    No specific mention.

  • Business
    Page 2-3, ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT
    The two delegations agree to launch activities which will generate conditions permitting the definitive attainment of peace and the enhancement of democracy.
    (b) The National Reconciliation Commission shall, by mutual agreement with URNG, create the mechanisms required for the convening, preferably in June 1990, of the necessary meetings between the Unidad Revolucionaria Nacional Guatemalteca and representatives of the country's popular, religious and business sectors, as well as other politically representative entities, with a view to finding ways of solving the nation's problems.
  • Taxation

    No specific mention.

  • Banks

    No specific mention.


Land, property and environment

  • Land reform/rights

    No specific mention.

  • Pastoralist/nomadism rights

    No specific mention.

  • Cultural heritage

    No specific mention.

  • Environment

    No specific mention.

  • Water or riparian rights or access

    No specific mention.


Security sector

  • Security Guarantees

    No specific mention.

  • Ceasefire

    No specific mention.

  • Police

    No specific mention.

  • Armed forces
    Page 2-3, ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT
    The two delegations agree to launch activities which will generate conditions permitting the definitive attainment of peace and the enhancement of democracy.
    (c) Talks with a view to achieving a political solution of the internal armed confrontation shall be held, on a date to be established by mutual agreement between the Government of Guatemala and the Unidad Revolucionaria Nacional Guatemalteca, between representatives - with decision-making powers - of the Government of the Republic, the Guatemalan Army and the General Command of the Unidad Revolucionaria Nacional Guatemalteca. The National Reconciliation Commission shall take part in these meetings for purposes of confirmation and verification, in accordance with the functions attributed to it under the Esquipulas II Agreement.
  • DDR

    No specific mention.

  • Intelligence services

    No specific mention.

  • Parastatal/rebel and opposition group forces

    No specific mention.

  • Withdrawal of foreign forces

    No specific mention.

  • Corruption

    No specific mention.

  • Crime/organised crime

    No specific mention.

  • Drugs

    No specific mention.

  • Terrorism

    No specific mention.


Transitional justice

  • Transitional justice general

    No specific mention.

  • Amnesty/pardon

    No specific mention.

  • Courts

    No specific mention.

  • Mechanism

    No specific mention.

  • Prisoner release

    No specific mention.

  • Vetting

    No specific mention.

  • Victims

    No specific mention.

  • Missing persons

    No specific mention.

  • Reparations

    No specific mention.

  • Reconciliation
    Page 1, Untitled Preamble
    The delegation of the Reconciliation Commission of Guatemala, acting with the full support of the Government of the Republic and in the conciliatory role attributed to it under the Esquipulas II Agreement, and the delegation of the Unidad Revolucionaria Nacional Guatemalteca (URNG), acting with the full support of its General Command, [...]

Implementation

  • UN signatory

    No specific mention.

  • Other international signatory

    No specific mention.

  • Referendum for agreement

    No specific mention.

  • International mission/force/similar

    No specific mention.

  • Enforcement mechanism
    Page 2, GOOD OFFICES
    ... The National Reconciliation Commission and the Unidad Revolucionaria Nacional Guatemalteca agree to request the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Dr. Javier Perez de Cuellar, to observe the activities to be carried out and to act as guarantor of compliance with the agreements and commitments entered into upon signature of this document.
  • Related cases

    No specific mention.

  • Source
    UN Peacemaker. Available at: https://peacemaker.un.org/guatemala-osloagreement90 (Accessed 6 October 2020).

ANNEX III

OSLO AGREEMENT

The delegation of the Reconciliation Commission of Guatemala, acting with the full support of the Government of the Republic and in the conciliatory role attributed to it under the Esquipulas II Agreement, and the delegation of the Unidad Revolucionaria Nacional Guatemalteca (URNG), acting with the full support of its General Command, express their profound satisfaction upon the signature of the

BASIC AGREEMENT FOR THE SEARCH FOR PEACE BY POLITICAL MEANS

following the serious, wide-ranging and frank discussions held from 26 to 30 March 1990 in the welcoming city of Oslo, with the kind hospitality of the Government of Norway and under the auspices of the Lutheran World Federation.

In conclusion, the two delegations attending the Oslo meeting wish to record their deep gratitude to the exemplary people and Government of Norway for having made it possible to hold this extremely important meeting in their territory.

We are most particularly grateful for the presence of Mr. Kjell Magne Bondevik, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Norway.

Thanks are also due to the Lutheran World Federation, which sponsored and made this meeting possible by virtue of its persistent efforts.

We mention especially its Secretary-General, Dr. Gunnar Salsett, the Under-Secretary-General for International Affairs and Human Rights, Dr. Paul Wee, and Dr. Leopoldo J. Niilus, Special Adviser on International Affairs to the Lutheran World Federation.

We are grateful too for the support and solidarity of the Norwegian Church and its Council for External Relations.

Our thanks also go to the Reverend Andreas Aarflot, Bishop of Oslo.

DONE in the city of Oslo, Norway, this 29th day of March, 1990.

Delegation of the National Reconciliation Commission of Guatemala, representing the Guatemalan Government:

(Signad) Jorge SERRANO ELIAS

(Signed) Mario PERMUTH

(Signid) Eduardo P. VILLATORO

Delegation of the General Command of the Unidad Revolucionaria Nacional Guatemalteca:

(Signed) Luis DECKER GUZMAN

(Signed) Francisco VILLAGRAN

(Signed) Jorge E. ROSAL

BASIC AGREEMENT FOR THE SEARCH FOR PEACE BY POLITICAL MEANS

In the city of Oslo, Norway, the delegation of the National Reconciliation Commission (CNR) of Guatemala, acting with the full support of the Government of the Republic of Guatemala and in the conciliatory role attributed to it under the Esquipulas II Agreement, and the delegation of the Unidad Revolucionaria Nacional Guatemalteca (URNG), with the full support of its General Command, having met from 26 to 30 March 1990 expressly for the purpose of finding ways to bring about a peaceful solution of the nation's problems by political means, and recognizing that this objective is fundamental to the achievement of reconciliation between Guatemalans and to the solution of the nation's problems, do agree to initiate a serious process which will culminate in the attainment of peace and the enhancement of functional and participatory democracy in Guatemala.

The two delegations shall, by mutual agreement, proceed to exercise their

GOOD OFFICES

In accordance with the spirit of the Esquipulas II Agreement, the National Reconciliation Commission shall take steps to facilitate and sustain the peace-seeking activities to which this Agreement refers, through its good offices and the appointment as Conciliator, by agreement with URNG, of Monsignor Rodolfo Quezada Torufio in his capacity as Chairman of the National Reconciliation Commission.

It shall be the function of the Conciliator to propose initiatives to all the parties, to facilitate and sustain dialogue and negotiation and to impart momentum to that process, and to analyse whatever similarities or differences there may be between the positions of the parties.

He shall be entitled to propose initiatives and solutions for discussion and agreement and shall perform all other functions required for the proper fulfilment of his commitment.

The National Reconciliation Commission and the Unidad Revolucionaria Nacional Guatemalteca agree to request the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Dr. Javier Perez de Cuellar, to observe the activities to be carried out and to act as guarantor of compliance with the agreements and commitments entered into upon signature of this document.

ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT

The two delegations agree to launch activities which will generate conditions permitting the definitive attainment of peace and the enhancement of democracy.

(a) A meeting shall be held between representatives of the political parties of the Republic of Guatemala and representatives of the Unidad Revolucionaria Nacional Guatemalteca.

The National Reconciliation Commission and the Unidad Revolucionaria Nacional Guatemalteca shall, by mutual agreement, decide the conditions under which this meeting will take place.

The parties shall make the efforts required for the meeting to be held in the second fortnight of May 1990.

(b) The National Reconciliation Commission shall, by mutual agreement with URNG, create the mechanisms required for the convening, preferably in June 1990, of the necessary meetings between the Unidad Revolucionaria Nacional Guatemalteca and representatives of the country's popular, religious and business sectors, as well as other politically representative entities, with a view to finding ways of solving the nation's problems.

(c) Talks with a view to achieving a political solution of the internal armed confrontation shall be held, on a date to be established by mutual agreement between the Government of Guatemala and the Unidad Revolucionaria Nacional Guatemalteca, between representatives - with decision-making powers - of the Government of the Republic, the Guatemalan Army and the General Command of the Unidad Revolucionaria Nacional Guatemalteca.

The National Reconciliation Commission shall take part in these meetings for purposes of confirmation and verification, in accordance with the functions attributed to it under the Esquipulas II Agreement.

SIGNED in the city of Oslo this 30th day of March 1990.

For the delegation of the National Reconciliation Commission:

(Signed) Jorge SERRANO ELIAS

(Signed) Mario PERMUTH

(Signed) Eduardo P. VILLATORO Executive Secretary of CNR

For the delegation of the Unidad Revolucionaria Nacional Guatemalteca:

(Signed) Luis BECKER GUZMAN

(Signed) Francisco VILLAGRAN M.

(Signer) Jorge E. ROSAL