To the attention of the Hon. Knut VOLLEBAEK

Minister for Foreign Affairs of Norwey

Brussels, August 10, 1998

Dear Minister,

I allow myself to solicit you once again concerning the initiative for the establishment of a worldwide moratorium on capital executions by the next UN General Assembly about which I have written in my previous letter of May 20, 1998.

As you may already know the European Parliament adopted last June 18 a resolution calling on the EU to table for the forthcoming UNGA a resolution asking the establishment of the universal moratorium. Soon after the Council of the EU has announced the launch of a big offensive against the death penalty.

Nevertheless, at present the EU have not yet decided to put the question on the agenda of the next UNGA.

After having carefully analysed the situation in details (see the General Overview here next) we have come to the conviction that the majority of UN member states would support a resolution calling for a universal moratorium of capital punishment if a group of countries decide to table such an item at the agenda of the next UNGA. Many countries, especially from South-America and some from central and eastern Europe, have already declared their willingness to support this initiative. The only missing element seems to be a leader country.

It would be very important if Norway decides to endorse this initiative at the UN in the next months.

Sincerely yours,

Olivier Dupuis

tel 0032-2-284.71.98

fax 0032-2-284.91.98