Rome, 1 June 2000

To the kind attention of:

Ambassador of XX

Your Excellency,

As mentioned during our meeting last week, I am pleased to attach a memorandum on the Russian request to withdraw the Consultative Status to the Transnational Radical Party.

I believe that this question, which could seem marginal at a first reading, could become a serious precedent if the Committee on NGOs should support the Russian complaints.

Confidant that the interpretation of the issue of sovereignty and freedom of expression stated by the Russians, is not shared by the Government that you have the honour to represent, I should be grateful if you could refer this case to competent authorities of your Country.

Thanking you in advance for your kind attention I remain

Sincerely yours,

Emma Bonino

Tel +32.2.284.5288

Fax +32.2.284.9288