In spite of these encouraging developments, the Australian Government is disappointed at the proposed length of the transition period - three years - coming as it does on top of the two years to date since the present military regime came to power.
The Australian Government is also concerned that a number of Nigeria's leading political figures are being held in detention and may be denied the opportunity to participate in the transition process. Australia calls upon General Abacha to grant a general amnesty for political dissidents currently detained, as a demonstration of his government's willingness to allow full participation by Nigerians in the electoral process. This would also give encouragement and confidence to Nigerians living abroad who may wish to return to their country and be involved in the transition.
The Australian Government is relieved that General Abacha has responded to the large number of international appeals on behalf of the alleged coup plotters and has agreed to commute all death sentences recommended by the special military tribunal. The Australian Government does, however, deplore that the alleged coup plotters have been tried and sentenced behind closed doors, with no right to legal representation of their choice, no right of appeal, and that details of their sentences are to be announced only at the government's convenience.
The Australian Government is also disappointed that the Nigerian Government intends to continue with the trial of Moshood Abiola, the unofficial winner of the 1993 presidential election. This step, along with the continued detention of former President General (retired) Obasanjo and his former deputy Major-General (retired) Yar'adua, can only be seen as a device to deny them the opportunity to participate in the transition process.
I will be consulting with my counterparts in the Commonwealth and elsewhere to explore further avenues to communicate the Australian Government's concerns to the Nigerian Government.