HL Deb 25 June 1998 vol 591 cc43-4WA
Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have noted the mass meeting held in Guatemala City on 6 June, the fortieth day after the murder of Bishop J. G. Conedera, to demand full investigation of this and earlier crimes; and whether they will ask the Government of Guatemala to protect the Rev. Pedro Nota and others working for human rights from death threats and other forms of violence. [HL2180]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

The UK presidency has urged the Guatemalan Government to conduct a full investigation into the murder of Bishop Gerardi in order to bring those responsible to justice. We have also urged the authorities to fulfil their commitment to investigate all other cases of human rights violations. We will continue to follow the situation closely.

We have expressed concerns about the safety of all those who are working to improve human rights in Guatemala. We have called on the Guatemalan Government to ensure their protection.