V. CONCLUSIONS 27. The Commission, therefore, is competent to take cognizance of this petition, which, for the reasons stated above, is admissible under Articles 46 and 47 of the American Convention. 28. Therefore, based on the reasons of fact and of law herein given and without prejudging the merits of the case, THE INTER-AMERICAN COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS, DECIDES: 1. To declare admissible the petition in regard to the alleged violations of Articles 8, 25, 21 and 1(1) of the American Convention. 2. To notify the petitioners and the State of this decision. 3. To continue with the analysis of the merits of the case. 4. To place itself at the disposal of the parties with a view to arriving at a friendly settlement founded upon respect for the rights protected under the American Convention, and to invite the parties to express their views on the friendly settlement possibility. 5. To publish this decision and include it in the Annual Report to the OAS General Assembly. Done and signed at the headquarters of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights in the city of Washington, D.C., the 9th day of the month of October in the year 2002. Signed by Juan Méndez, President; Marta Altolaguirre, First Vice President; Robert K. Goldman; Julio Prado Vellejo, Clare K. Roberts and José Zalaquett, Commission members. 5