§ Mr. CryerTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the Government of Colombia regarding political killings and disappearances in 1988; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. EggarThe human rights situation in Colombia is disturbing, and reflects an appalling level of violence in the country. The Colombian Government are deeply concerned and acknowledge that the problem is very serious. Political violence emanates from a range of sources—Right-wing death squads and Left-wing guerrillas as well as drugs traffickers. But I am not aware of any evidence that the Colombian Government are involved. I raised our concerns about human rights with President Barco and with Ministers during my visit to Colombia in August; and our embassy continues to do so.