ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Friday, September 20, 1996 TAG: 9609200070
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-2 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: MEXICO CITY
Central America's last and longest war drew nearer to a close Thursday as Guatemalan rebel and government representatives signed an agreement on reducing the power of the country's military.
The accord calls for cutting Guatemala's 43,500 troops and its defense spending one-third next year and eliminating elite counterinsurgency units.
The pact was reached earlier this week during talks in Mexico City between government representatives and the Guatemala National Revolutionary Unity, representing the country's four major rebel groups.
The end to the 36-year conflict in Guatemala becomes almost a certainty with the signing. The talks picked up speed this year under the guidance of the United Nations and the administration of President Alvaro Arzu, who vowed to end the conflict by year's end.
- Associated Press
LENGTH: Short : 27 linesby CNB