International Cycling Union called to offer 'truth and reconciliation' process to ...

“Various parties have said to the commission that the inquiry ought to
include a truth and reconciliation process, with a full or partial amnesty
being offered to riders, team management, or others involved in professional
cycling, who confess to past involvement in doping.

Representations to that effect have been made by Change Cycling Now, USADA,
and WADA.

A strongly worded statement from WADA on Tuesday evening criticised several
aspects of the commission’s terms of reference including its timetable and
fact its final report will be sent first to the UCI.

“There is further concern that the UCI has had too much influence over
the terms of reference, which calls into question the commission’s
independence,” said John Fahey, the WADA chairman. “The terms of
reference were signed off by the UCI and the commission without consultation
with anti-doping authorities, while the requirement for the commission to
deliver its report to the UCI before any other party is unacceptable.

“Finally, because the commission does not offer immunity there is no
incentive for witnesses to come forward, or to even give witness statements.
An approach that does not allow individuals to give evidence without the
fear of retaliation will merely perpetuate the omertà that has
been an obstacle to cycling investigations in the past.”

A few hours later USADA, the agency which brought down Armstrong, joined WADA
in pulling out.

“UCI’s refusal to agree to allow a limited opportunity for riders to come
forward and be truthful without fear of retribution or retaliation from the
UCI obviously calls into question the UCI’s commitment to a full and
thorough investigation and creates grave concern that the UCI has
blindfolded and handcuffed this independent commission to ensure a
pre-determined outcome,” said Travis Tygart, the USADA chief executive. “The
current terms of reference are not good for clean athletes or moving this
sport forward to a better future.”


Lawyers from USADA have provided the independent commission with new terms of
reference which will be discussed with the UCI. The independent commission
is currently calling for witnesses to come forward.

Source:
http://www.ezonearticle.com/2013/01/16/international-cycling-union-called-to-offer-truth-and-reconciliation-process-to/