Brussels July 30, 1997

Dear colleague,

On April 3rd, 1997, in Geneva the UN Human Rights Commission voted with 27 votes in favor, 11 against, and 14 abstentions for a historic resolution which asks for the first time that the Members States adopt "a moratorium on the death penalty as a step towards its abolition," and recognized as a matter of principle that "the abolition of the death penalty will contribute to the raising of human dignity and the progressive development of human rights." The text of this resolution marks a notable step toward the universal recognition of a new human right - the right to exemption from death as a result of a judicial sentence.

We are currently involved in the diffusion, reinforcement, and consolidation of this resolution, beginning with a new initiative directed at the Human Rights Commission, for which the agenda is already scheduled and, also in 1998, for a new initiative directed at the General Assembly.

We are strongly convinced of the important role that the Parliament can play by inviting its respective governments to support this campaign so that a robust majority of member States of the UN General Assembly may announce itself in favor of a universal moratorium on capital punishments next year.

In addition to this initiative, it is necessary to emphasize the principles stated in Geneva through the adhesion to and/or ratification of the Second Protocol of the International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights by the highest number of States involved in this decision and so that they will not retract their support for the abolition.

Within the framework of this mobilization campaign we have predisposed two instruments which we bring now to your attention. The first consists of an appeal by the Parliamentarians of the world, and is directed at the members of the General Assembly, while the second consists of a proposal for a Parliamentary motion that would usefully address the actions of your government to this matter.

With the hope that we may continue to rely upon your support, we send our cordial greetings,

Olivier Dupuis Sergio D'Elia

MEP Secretary of the Secretary of Hands off Cain

Transnational Radical Party

The following are attached:

- the text of the appeal to the members of the UN General Assembly in favor of the establishment of a universal moratorium on capital punishment;

- a proposal for a Parliamentary motion;

- the resolution approved in Geneva.

Addresses:

* Transnational Radical Party - European Parliament - Rue Belliard 97 - 1040 Brussels -Belgium - Rem 508 - Tel: 32-2-284.71.98 - 230.41.21 - Fax: 32-2-284.91.97 - 284.91.98 - 230.36.70

* Hands Off Cain - Via di Torre Argentina 76 - 00186 Rome Italy

Tel: 39-6-689.791 - Fax: 39-6-6880.5396