Posted on 07/01/2004 12:11:25 PM PDT by areafiftyone
PARIS - Baghdad's decision to re-establish the death penalty ahead of the war crimes trial of Saddam Hussein (news - web sites) evoked a mixed reaction in Europe, recalling the split across the continent over the war that toppled the Iraqi leader.
Germany and France, two of the most vocal anti-war opponents, strongly stated their opposition — without exception — to the death penalty and called on Iraqi authorities to ensure Saddam a fair trial.
In Berlin, the government's top human rights official, Claudia Roth, criticized Baghdad's move to reinstate capital punishment, which was suspended during the U.S. occupation.
"To start out this way does not send a good signal," Roth told The Associated Press. "I think it would have been a signal of democratic strength had they not reinstated the death penalty in Iraq (news - web sites)."
France called on Iraqi justice officials to hold a trial that conforms to principles of international law, and the government reiterated its opposition to the execution of convicts.
The 25-member European Union (news - web sites) intends to let Iraq know of its opposition to the death penalty, said Emma Udwin, external relations spokeswoman for the European Commission (news - web sites).
But while capital punishment is outlawed across the continent, attitudes hardened farther east among the newer EU members, where support for the war was strong.
Latvian Foreign Ministry spokesman Rets Plesums said that whatever happens to Saddam after his trial is a matter of concern for Iraq — not the Baltic state.
"We are hoping that the new Iraqi courts will conduct the trial as fairly as possible, but I don't think our government will offer an opinion about what happens to Saddam Hussein," he said. "It's not our business."
Latvia, a recent newcomer also to NATO (news - web sites), ardently backed the U.S.-led invasion and contributed more than 100 soldiers to the coalition after fighting ended last year.
Poland, another supporter of the war, offered a similar view. Poland just decided to extend its troop deployment of 2,400 soldiers in Iraq until Dec. 31.
"Our reaction is obvious. This is a sovereign decision of an independent court and of the Iraqis themselves," said Boguslaw Majewski, spokesman for Poland's Foreign Ministry.
Roman Kuzniar, a political scientist at the Warsaw University, said the list of crimes committed by Saddam Hussein "would justify the death penalty."
Poland had capital punishment before ousting the Communist government in 1989, then eliminated it in order to join the EU.
Turkey, a Muslim nation with aspirations to join the EU one day, formally ended executions as part of its bid for membership. But many Turks still feel capital punishment is justified in some cases.
"The conscience of the people will not be satisfied if he doesn't face the death penalty," said Burhan Kuzu, a top lawmaker from Turkey's governing Justice and Development Party. "If they give the death penalty to him, this decision will not disturb me."
LOL You're right!
It is also clear that Chirac has had comparable gifts but, of course, the French would never even admit that.
So long as Saddam's money is still out these and being spent on his behalf, the old Eirinal thieves will back him. I am not as positive about the new Eurinals; it may just be sour grapes on their part because they didn't get any Iraqi money in years past like the French and German leaders have.
They are old world countries manifestly against freedom. Ignore them.
That should be NO SURPRISE.....
Maybe France should spend time fixing their health, I mean death care system. Between last summers heat wave and the AIDS tainted blood supply about a decade or more ago, I'd say France is still solidly behind the "death penalty".
They're obsessed with the lack of a death penalty. They think it makes them good people.
I just read in the news that Spain just lost two people to the Heat.
Capital punishment was only suspended during the occupation. Obviously it had existed under the dictator. Old Europe is hoping if he stays alive he will come back into power one day and they can re-start the oil for food program.
If in the Middle East one chops the hands off of a thief, then it is only logical one dies for killing (so many) others.
But isn't it recorded in the many documents they've found?
Conservative women are not only beautiful but smart. Liberal women are, well...........
The summer is comming.....
We need to tell Cheney that the French and Germans are Lahey and see what he has to say...that response would be appropriate here.
I would imagine. But they can always claim that the documents are fake or false etc, whereas Hussein corroborating them will be tougher to deny.
I will remember your words and call the United States of America a "she"-country as well from now on.
Send in the cats....
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/1158322/posts
(don't miss post 33!)
PROOF FOR YOUR RIDICULOUS CLAIMS??
I hope that the State Dept. realizes who their
TRUE FRIENDS in Europe are !
I hope that the State Dept. realizes who their
TRUE FRIENDS in Europe are !
LOL ROTFLMAO
It's none of their business.
The audacity of these Frogs and their poodle Krauts is breathtaking.
On the other hand, they might make an exception if Bush was on trial! Seriesly.
Hey Jack, this is an internal matter for IRAQ, shut your hole.
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