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."
God created the Earth. But if asked, he'll deny ever making France.
All Countries go by Female Names. :)
Actually, with a GDP in 2002 of 1,976.2 Billion US for Germany, and Iowa at $90 Billion (year 2001), shows that Germany is a far cry ahead of Iowa.
GDP is interesting .. I see that the EU, the second largest economy in the world, has a GDP of $7.9Trillion in 2001. This must be behind the USA with $37.8 Trillion! (wow, big gap!).
Germany actually compete's more with the likes of California ...
Slightly off topic psot, but wondering if the prisoners were purposely dressed in western clothes, and NOT allowed to wear traditional Arab garb..
Yes. Hillary-like was another bad vision that popped into my mind.
Well THAT figures!
Actually that source says the US is just below $11 trillion with $37,800 per person. German GDP is $27,600 per capita. UK and France are just about the same as Germany.
Good catch ... I did read that wrong. That makes more sense with 1st and 2nd place GDP's being US and EU.
They didnt want us in Iraq. While there we stopped the death penalty. They agree we must have done something right but yet they still say we shouldnt be there. They want to let this killer of thousands get off scot free. They are worse than morons. (there is something worse isnt there?)
After all of the Jews that the Germans, with help from the French, exterminated during War II, they have no moral position to expound from!
Why not france and germany? You gave the death penalty to millions by turning your heads and pretending Saddam was just a regular president. You said then it was none of your business. Why is it suddenly your business what goes on in Iraq?
the french and germans complained about the execution of louis 16th
Germany and France were too busy funding abortions in poor countries around the world with money supplemented by Saddam's bribes to fight in the war against terror.
bump for comment
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