EU Policy On The Death Penalty
European
Union Netherlands Presidency
16 December 2004
PC.DEL/1231/04
ENGLISH only
Permanent Representation of the
Netherlands to the OSCE
(Organization for Security and Co-Operation in Europe)
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www.eu2004.nl
Permanent Council No. 538
16 December 2004
EU Statement on Death Penalty in the USA
As is well-known, the European Union opposes the use of capital
punishment in all cases and accordingly aims at its universal abolition, urging
all countries that maintain the death penalty to establish a moratorium on its
application as a first step towards that goal.
In accordance with this established policy, the EU wishes to raise
a case regarding a possible termination of the 40-year de facto moratorium on
the death penalty in the State of Connecticut, USA. The case concerns Mr.
Michael Ross, who is due to be executed on 26 January next year.
The EU appreciates the fact that the State of Connecticut has
upheld a de facto moratorium for more than a generation and would regret if it
were to be terminated with the execution of Mr. Ross. In light of recent developments
and debate on this issue, the EU wishes to encourage the appropriate
authorities in the State of Connecticut to continue the moratorium on the
death penalty and would urge them to grant clemency to Mr. Ross.
The Candidate
Countries Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and
Croatia align themselves with this statement.
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Croatia continues to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.
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