§ 74. Mr. Bill MichieTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent information he has about disappearances of political activists in Guatemala.
§ Mr. EggarOur information is that disappearances in Guatemala are occurring at a rate of about 25 a month. A number of these are attributable to criminal activity but there is little doubt that many are politically motivated. Although the numbers are greatly reduced compared with the early 80s, the situation is a cause of continuing concern. Like the UN special adviser on human rights in Guatemala, we do not, however, believe that the present civilian Government either condone or carry out abductions.