The colonel was relieved of his command earlier this year after he was once again caught in possession of a stolen car. He was released on bail March 6. Gun Deaths Guatemala City, March 14. Rampant violent crime is getting a helping hand from Guatemala's lax gun laws. Gun shops report that 9mm and 40mm automatics and semi-automatics are the favorites, and they note that bulk sales of arms are on the increase.
Experts estimate that ten times that number circulate illegally in the country.
Former guerrilla leaders here are taking steps to ensure their members' return to civilian life goes as smoothly as possible. A URNG health team is working with various NGOs to provide former combatants entering the U.N.-supervised demobilization camps with comprehensive physical and mental health exams. Jobs and housing for the ex-combatants is also a concern. Apart from preparing our companeros for activism in the new party, we have to provide them with a trade with which they can earn a living. Among the foundation's projects will be the purchase of lands for ex-combatants wanting to form agri cultural cooperatives.