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CANADA WELCOMES CONCLUSION OF MYRNA MACK TRIAL IN GUATEMALA

October 4, 2002 (1:30 p.m. EDT) No. 115

CANADA WELCOMES CONCLUSION OF MYRNA MACK TRIAL

IN GUATEMALA

Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham, and Secretary of State for Latin America, Africa and La Francophonie Denis Paradis today welcomed the successful conclusion of proceedings in Guatemala in the murder case of Guatemalan anthropologist and human rights defender, Myrna Mack.

"I commend the determination and effort of judicial officials and human rights supporters in Guatemala, including Myrna's sister and advocate, Helen Mack, for finally bringing this important case to trial," said Minister Graham. "This is a promising demonstration of the progress Guatemala has made in strengthening its judicial system, improving respect for human rights, and addressing impunity."

"Canada will continue to assist Guatemala as it makes progress in the areas of justice and human rights, as part of our firm support for the implementation of the 1996 Peace Accords," added Mr. Paradis.

Myrna Mack, a young anthropologist who gained international recognition for her pioneering field work in Guatemala's rural indigenous communities during the latter part of Guatemala's 36-year armed conflict, was killed in Guatemala City in 1990.

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