B3-1569/93

Resolution on the legal proceedings concerning the murder of European citizen Mr Carmelo Soria Espinosa in Chile

The European Parliament,

A.whereas on 14 July 1976 the Spanish citizen Mr Carmelo Soria Espinosa, then head of publishing for the UN-linked organ CELADE, was kidnapped and murdered in Santiago (Chile),

B.whereas the authorities linked to the military junta decided to stay legal proceedings brought by his relatives,

C.whereas proceedings were reopened on 12 July 1991,

D.whereas if proceedings in the Letelier, Leyton, Prat and Soria cases are conducted correctly this will set the precedent which thousands of ordinary persons related to 'disappeared persons' are waiting for in the hope that their complaints will be dealt with,

E.aware of the risk that the military judicial authorities in Chile will decide to stay proceedings in these cases,

F.concerned at the pressure being put by General Pinochet on the civilian authorities to induce them to pass a law granting a pardon or bringing the matter to a final close, which would leave these murders unpunished,

1.Expresses its trust in and support for the democratic authorities and the civilian judicial system;

2.Calls on the Commission and Council to exercise all the necessary vigilance to ensure that proceedings concerning this late European citizen and his relatives are conducted on the basis of respect for democracy and the rule of law;

3.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission, the Council and the government of Chile.