Opposition in Guinea-Bissau Proposes Amnesty for All Political Crimes

Home>>World

Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Thursday, June 13, 2002

Opposition in Guinea-Bissau Proposes Amnesty for All Political Crimes

DISCUSSION

CHINESE

SEND TO FRIEND

Opposition parties in Guinea-Bissau said Wednesday that a pardon declared by President Kumba Iala for alleged coup plotters is unconstitutional and proposed instead an amnesty for all political crimes committed since 1980.

President Iala Tuesday proposed an amnesty for those allegedly involved in unsuccessful coup attempts in December 2001 and on May22 this year.

According to the Portuguese news agency LUSA, Helder Vaz, leader of the RGB, Guinea's largest opposition party, proposed "a general amnesty for all crimes of a political and military nature since 1980", when former president Luis Cabral was ousted by Joao Bernardo "Nino" Vieira.

Vaz said that Iala's proposed amnesty was not constitutional, as parliament was the only state organ empowered to enact such measures.

The RGB leader called for a "wide-ranging national debate" on all matters that are still "a gray area", also advocating the creation of a truth and reconciliation commission.

The president's lack of authority to call an amnesty was also pointed out by Francisco Benante, parliamentary leader of the PAIGC, Guinea's second-largest opposition group.

Benante said the president's powers only allowed him to commuteor pardon cases that had been tried, and emphasized that amnestieswere solely the business of parliament.

Questions?Comments? Click here

China's Annual Mineral Exports, Imports Tops US$100 Billion ( 3 Messages)

Taiwan Media Reveals US Submarine Sale to Taiwan ( 10 Messages)

Jiang Hopes US to Creat a "Good Climate" for Sino-US Relations ( 3 Messages)

Sino-Russian Ties Curb US Pressures: News Analysis ( 2 Messages)

China Likely to Launch the Lowest SAR in the World ( 8 Messages)