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."
Does their opinion even matter?
Hell, they'd have objecting to executing Hitler if we'd caught him.
The French objecting to killing. Aren't they the same people who gave us the morning after pill?
Before you remember my words, you might want to read them first. The 'she' was referring to Claudia Roth, not Germany.
Well, one thing's certain - the usual "we were scarred by war so we know what's moral" rap isn't going to fly in the face of a guy who's watched his countrymen run through industrial shredders.
The last time the Frogs lopped off a head on their infamous guillotine was 1979, not so long ago.
They are sure proud of their newfound high and mightyness.(major sarcasm on)
Old Europe should try a really big cup of "Shut the F**k Up!"
What is wrong with these people? Geez.
Oh, alright. Fu** that bit++. She´s a Green, and one of the worst, for that matter. I take back my announcement to call the US of America a "she"-country!!!
That's kind of like your neighbor objecting to what color of car you buy. If you didn't pay for it, then shut up.
Aren't they the same people who gave us the guillotine?
Good one!
Fine, then they won't have to execute them. The Iraqis, on the other hand...
Dowdy. hehe
Europe, the sissy-boy continent.
The French never met a fight that felt wasn't worth running from.
So I suppose the Nuremburg Trials should have resulted in no executions either??
Saddam still has a lot of money they claim is theirs. And like the whores they are, they dance for him for its sake.
Plus, one would think that France would welcome the execution of S-H. One less witness to their dirty deals...
Why, yes, they certainly are. But the French only support capital punishment when it's committed by an angry mob. And the Germans only support it when it's done in gas chambers.
Bleep 'em both.
"V"
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