The World Medical Association has today confirmed its support for the Chilean Medical Association in trying to establish the facts surrounding the disappearance of 19 physicians between 1973 and 1976.

At its Council meeting in Divonne-les-Bains, France, the WMA agreed to issue a brief statement of support after a plea from Dr Enrique Accorsi, president of the Chilean Medical Association. Dr Accorsi said his association had done everything to try to find out about the disappearance of the Chilean doctors during the government of General Pinochet.

Dr Anders Milton, chairman of the WMA, said: "The protection of human rights is one of the corner stones of World Medical Association policy. For that reason it is extremely important that crimes against humanity and against members of the medical profession are investigated and that those responsible are brought to trial."