PRIME MINISTER, GIULIANO AMATO, OPENS TO PARDON WHILE THE SITUATION IN JAILS WORSENS.

In an interview to the daily La Repubblica, Premier Amato announces that "pardon is now possible" following the approval of measures regarding prisons.

In the package of provisions approved by the cabinet, three thousand billion lire have been funded for new prison buildings and a general pardon has been envisaged that will release about seven thousand inmates.

If approved by Parliament, the bill calls for the rapid expulsion of immigrant inmates, whether legal or illegal, waiting for trial or arrested while committing crimes.

The package also includes the hiring of 1,500 new prison guards, the designation of more judges, the use of electronic bracelets for prisoners under house arrest, as well as more severe rules regarding juvenile criminality and the early release of inmates convicted of serious crimes.

A government spokesman said that the package needed only a simple parliamentary majority instead of the two-thirds majority needed for an amnesty or pardon.

The bill might, therefore, be definitely approved by October.

Opposition criticised the measures as not strong enough and "too late".

In fact, most funding is scheduled for 2001 and 2002 when new elections may bring about a change in government.