UK: Training for terror regime military
01 November 1995
The Foreign Office has confirmed that it is training military personnel from Guatemala, who have carried out a policy of genocide against the indigenous Mayan inhabitants. The spokesman also confirmed that a ban of sales on military equipment has been lifted.
The training and possible supply of weapons to the regime, which is estimated to have killed over 150,000 people in the past 40 years, coincided with United Nations criticism following the unprovoked murder of 11 Mayan indians in October. It later transpired that these soldiers has been trained by British troops to take part in a multi-national force in Haiti.
The decision follows on from an announcement in August that the Foreign Office would be supplying support for the Guatemalan police. The Foreign Office refused to specify the number of military personnel involved but added that "We are supporting the peace process."
Independent 13.10.95, 28.10.95;