Action Plan for Huanco Army Killing Allegations

Human rights NGOs and journalists attribute the recent human rights abuses in Upper Huanuco Valley to the military's counter-terrorist operations. While the document asserts that the U.S. Embassy has not been able to confirm these reports, some of which calculate the death toll as high as 100, the Embassy does consider them to be credible. The report goes on to suggest an appropriate high-level response by the governments of the United States, Japan, and the European Union. These responses would seek to effectively pressure the Fujimori government to permit open access to the zone by non-governmental human rights groups (especially the ICRC) and follow through with the civilian and military investigations now underway. The report acknowledges that the Fujimori government has been upset by past U.S. criticisms over human rights, and emphasizes that any new efforts would need to be made at the highest levels of government and in conjunction with the other major powers