NEWS UPDATE

                                                                        Update – December 19, 2008

Hi Everyone –

                        As we have not been in direct contact with everyone for some time it is only because we have not had any substantial news

to pass on. None the less the “Our Claim” has been moving ahead but only at a legal pace which to most of us is somewhat slow.

 

                        We met, along with certain Government representatives, with the appointed Judge on November 4, 2008.

As a group the Judge told us, how the Pretrial Conference would work. Also we were advised that any discussions at the Pretrial

were without prejudice and all of the discussions and proceedings were to be kept confidential and within the “Chambers”.

 

                        This group meeting (SRA members with legal counsel and the Government representatives) lasted about 10 to 15 minutes.

Following this the Judge met about 10 to 15minutes with our group followed by a meeting with the Government group which lasted almost one hour.

The Government Group was excused and left and the Judge then met again with us for a few minutes. In this second meeting the

Judge indicated certain undertakings were asked of the Government Group and they were to get back to the Judge with theresults

as soon as possible. The Judge further indicated that it may be required to have one or several meetings with the Government

representatives before we would again be called back for further consultations.

 

                        On December 18, 2008 we were advised by our legal counsel that in a casual conversation with the Government lawyer,

it was indicated that a letter from Government was in the final stages of preparation for transmittal to the Judge.Our expectation is that this letter

should be available to the Judge at least by early January. We also anticipate that the letter will lead to some further contact with the

Judge and Court shortly thereafter.

 

                        This is the latest news respecting our Legal Claim. We were pleased with the meeting with the Judge and the

understanding the Judge had respecting our claim. We expect things to move ahead early in the New Year.

 

                        Please keep patient as it looks like some resolution may be quite close.

 

                       

                        Merry Christmas to all and look to a better and more prosperous New Year in 2009.

 

                                                Alf Zimmerman 

                                                SRA President

 

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