URÍA & MENÉNDEZ TO ACT AS COUNSEL FOR THE SPANISH GOVERNMENT IN THE “PRESTIGE” CASE

The Spanish law firm, Uría & Menéndez, will act as counsel for the Spanish Government in the “Prestige” case.

February 26, 2003

The firm, which was entrusted to conduct the legal proceedings for the international defence of the Spanish State’s public interests, has decided to relinquish its professional fees in view of the international significance and special circumstances surrounding the case.

The lawyers of the Maritime Law Department of Uría & Menéndez, headed by Mr. Luis Figaredo, are currently working on the case searching for legal solutions to minimize the consequences deriving from the “Prestige” disaster. Mr. Rodrigo Uría, managing partner of the firm, asserted that “just as we did when we advised on the Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection, the firm has accepted this professional assignment and has decided to make a contribution to the public interest”.