The signing of the Peace Accords at Castillo de Chapultepec.
México, D.F. January 16, 1992
|
| On January 16, 1992, the Government of El Salvador and the FMLN signed the Peace Accords in Chapultepec, México, that ended one of the most painful chapters in the history of El Salvador. The 12 year-old conflict resulted in more than 75,000 casualties. In terms of population, that number would be proportionately equivalent to 3.2 million US citizens, or seen another way, the total population of the second largest city in the US: Los Angeles, California. |
| The Peace Negotiations |
The first efforts to initiate a peace dialogue were made by President Duarte in the mid '80's. In 1989, the government of President Cristiani initiated the peace negotiations, which led to the signing of the Chapultepec Peace Accords.
The objectives of the Government of President Cristiani were:
- To obtain peace
- To establish a market based economy
- To create the necessary conditions to improve the quality of life of the population, especially of those living in extreme poverty.
In order to attain these goals, the Government initiated a dialogue with the FMLN. This dialogue was centered on a number of important issues relating to constitutional reforms, the respect for human rights, international verification, the restructuring and reduction of the Armed Forces, and reforms to the electoral and judicial system.
The negotiations process, which laid the basis for the New El Salvador, was supported by the United Nations and the Group of Friends for the peace process in El Salvador.
After the signing of the Peace Accords, the United Nations established an operation to monitor the implementation of the peace accords. This operation is placed under the control of the United Nations Security Council. Due to the success of this mission in El Salvador, the United Nations has used it as a model for other countries such as Guatemala, Haiti, Mozambique and Cambodia. |
| The implementation of the Peace Accords |
| The implementation of the Peace Accords required the political will of the parties involved, as well as the political incorporation of all actors involved in this process. One of the most important achievements was the national reconciliation. However, the process faced many challenges. One of the most important was the amount of material resources needed for the implementation of the process. |
| Programs and reforms stipulated by the Peace Accords |
1. Restructuring and reduction of the Armed Forces:
A new role was defined for the Armed Forces, which would be to guarantee national sovereignty. The restructuring also included the 70% reduction of the Armed Forces, the dissolution of the battalions of immediate reaction, of the National Guard, of the National Police, of the Treasury Police and the transfer of the State intelligence agencies to the Presidency of the Republic.
2. The creation and strengthening of democratic institutions:
The public security functions were retaken by the newly created institutions: the Academy of Public Security and the National Civilian Policy both under civilian authorities. Additionally to the creating of the Ombudsman for the Defense of Human Rights, reforms were adopted in the electoral system, including the creation of the Supreme Electoral Tribunal.
3. Economic and social development:
The economic and social development projects of the Peace Accords included the creation of re-incorporation programs to the active life for the former soldiers of the Armed Forces of El Salvador and the National Police as well as the former guerrillas of the FMLN and the civil population mostly affected by the conflict. These programs began to operate on the second day after the cease fire (February 2nd, 1992)
In an effort to seek solutions to the most urgent economic and social needs of the nation, making a calling to all Salvadorans to put their best effort. In addition, technical and financial assistance from international organizations and friend countries was requested.
4. Economic and social stabilization
Parallel to the implementation of the Peace Accords, the Government of El Salvador undertook a five-year Economic and Social Development Plan, destined to
- Creating the necessary conditions to attain a sustained economic growth.
- Improving the quality of life of the population, especially those living in extreme poverty conditions. In the medium term, the government's Plan included the implementation of a social program that would establish a market-based economy and reforms to the economic system, as well as the modernization of social services.
|