Message on Guatemala To Be Posted on Our Website

The following message on Guatemala is being posted on our website:

February 14, 2007

Guatemala Plans to Announce Protocol of Good Practices on February 16, 2007

The government of Guatemala has invited the U.S. Embassy to attend a
ceremony publicly announcing a "Protocol of Good Practices" on adoption on
Friday,
February 16. As details of the implementation of the Protocol become
available we will provide updated information.

Rumors that the U.S. Embassy is no longer accepting adoption cases are not
correct. The U.S. Embassy continues to process adoption cases as stipulated
under U.S. law and procedures.

The U.S. government supports efforts by the Guatemalan government to
increase protection of children and parents and a smooth transition to
implementation
of the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption for Guatemala.

Miriam's Comments: There are concerns that these new practices will affect
Guatemalan children in need of adoptive homes and the adoptive parents who
wish to adopt them, in a negative manner.