The criminal justice system is incapable of responding to the violence committed by criminals, drug-traffickers and organised gangs, the head of the UN's Guatemalan mission Tom Koenigs says.

He urged the authorities to spend more money on security-related institutions.

Police say at least 3,630 people died violently in Guatemala last year - 400 of them in December alone.

Data from the police suggest a clear and marked pattern of deterioration in the field of public security during these recent years UN report

This death toll was the highest since 1997.

In 2001, there were 3,210 violent deaths.

Mr Koenigs cited poor training of personnel and corruption as reasons for the rise in violence.

Police are unable to "prevent and punish crimes", he said.

The UN warning comes as the United States says it no longer considers Guatemala an ally in the battle against the drug trade.

Guatemala had "failed demonstrably" during 2002 to fulfil international drug control standards, officials said.

Aid to continue

It is the first time Guatemala has been classified in the survey of 23 countries as not co-operating in the drugs war, unlike Haiti and Burma, which were also singled out for poor performances.

By law, President George W Bush can impose economic sanctions against countries which fail the drug standards.

However, sanctions on both Guatemala and Haiti have been waived on national security grounds.

"These two countries will receive assistance, notwithstanding their counter-narcotics performance," a White House representative said.

A treaty signed in 1996 ended Guatemala's 36-year civil war.