The Reply

You will find below a translation into English of the letter which was faxed to us on May 20th by the Minister of Justice, Ms. Viviana Martin. Since receipt of that document, we have been busy digesting its content and evaluating some options that remain. This message will not contain any analysis or proposals -- that will be the subject of a subsequent message which we will send out as soon as possible. Please withhold your own commentaries or questions until after you have read our next EBS. To view a copy of the original letter in Spanish, please go to the UCCR website.

UCCR

Dear Sirs:

With my greetings, I write to you regarding your note dated May 4, in which you propose that a pardon be granted to Osvaldo Villalobos and amnesty to Mr. Luis Enrique Villalobos.

Concerning a pardon for Mr. Osvaldo Villalobos, I need to point out that no such formal request in this regard has been received. The moment such a petition is made, it would be processed in the usual manner for these petitions.

With regard to amnesty for Mr.Luis Enrique Villalobos, this possibility is not covered under our legislation, which only mentions that such amnesty may be applied in the case of political crimes which are expressly stated in the law. Furthermore, I should make clear that the Executive Power may in no way intervene in a judicial proceeding such as that which is brought against Mr. Villalobos.

In this way, I respond in a negative manner to your requests.

With my cordial greetings,

Dr. Viviana Martin

Minister