2. To notify the parties of this decision. 3. To continue with the analysis of the merits of the question. 4. To place itself at the disposal of the parties with a view to reaching a friendly settlement of the matter based on the respect for human rights, as recognized in the American Convention, and to invite the parties to express their views on this possibility. 5. To maintain in effect the precautionary measures issued by the Commission on September 23, 1998, or until the Commission issues a decision on the merits of the petition. 6. To make public this report and to publish it in its 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., on the eleven day of the month of March in the year 1999. (Signed) Robert K. Goldman, Chairman; Hélio Bicudo, First Vice Chairman; Claudio Grossman, Second Vice Chairman; Commissioners Alvaro Tirado Mejía, Carlos Ayala Corao, and Jean Joseph Exumé. 4