Videotape Evidence of Corruption in Chevron Ecuador Case Illustrates Erosion of Rule...

Videotape Evidence of Corruption in Chevron Ecuador Case Illustrates Erosion
of Rule of Law

Latest evidence underscores a fair trial in Ecuador is not possible

WASHINGTON, Aug. 31 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is a statement by
Lisa A. Rickard, president of the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform, on
the release of videos implicating the Ecuadorian judge presiding over the
environmental lawsuit against Chevron:

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080919/USCHAMBERLOGO)

"The video evidence released today in the Chevron case in Ecuador showing what
appears to be gross judicial misconduct, direct interference by the Ecuadorian
government, and multi-million dollar bribery is extremely troubling, and calls
into serious question the ability for U.S. companies to continue doing
business in countries like Ecuador where the rule of law has been so degraded.

"Chevron has alerted authorities both in Ecuador and in the United States, and
both governments should investigate this evidence in a serious and expeditious
manner.

"Further, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce believes that Congress should consider
this matter when it evaluates the status of U.S.-Ecuadorian trade preferences
as part of the Andean Trade Preferences Act renewal next January. These trade
preferences are a privilege, not a right, and Congress should consider the
larger pattern of disregard for the rule of law when it decides whether to
extend them to Ecuador yet again."

"Perhaps the most fundamental ingredient in fair trade between nations is a
strong, impartial judicial system founded upon the rule of law. In this case
and other recent cases, we are seeing an increasing erosion of the rule of law
involving mass action, plaintiff-lawyer-driven civil lawsuits.

"Failure to take this latest evidence of corruption seriously will only
increase their incidences, and will lead to further strain on global commerce
and free trade."

ILR seeks to promote civil justice reform through legislative, political,
judicial, and educational activities at the national, state, and local levels.

The U.S. Chamber is the world's largest business federation representing more
than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.

www.uschamber.com
www.chamberpost.com

SOURCE U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform

Mark Szymanski of U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform, +1-202-463-5874