In 1987, the Center had contracted with USAID to assist Guatemala in addressing the threats posed to democratization by street violence and politically motivated violence. In the fall of 1989, it withdrew because of the Cerezo administration's unwillingness to investigate political killings. Its reasons remain relevant in light of Guatemala's continued obstacles to democratization. Terrorist violence has been directed at students, labor leaders, human rights workers, peasant leaders, political leaders to the left of the ruling Christian Democratic Party, and others. Democracy cannot and does not coexist with this kind of unpursued, unpunished terror. A law enforcement system can be recognized as a criminal justice system only it if successfully applies the law to all citizens -- the rich and powerful as well as the poor and powerless. The Guatemalan government has shown no interest in justice, therefore criminal justice assistance is better applied elsewhere.