(EU) EU/TURKMENISTAN: EU WELCOMES MORATORIUM ON CAPITAL EXECUTIONS

Brussels, 11/01/1999 (Agence Europe) - On 31 December, the Austrian Presidency made the following declaration on behalf of the EU:

"The EU considers that the abolition of the death penalty contributes to the increased dignity of the person and the gradual development of human rights. Having as tenacious goal the abolition of the death penalty, the EU greatly welcomes the moratorium relating to capital executions announced by Turkmenistan. The EU considers this decision to be a gesture by the Turkmenistan authorities in favour of the promotion of human rights. The decision by the Turkmenistan authorities is indeed a first significant step on the path towards the abolition of the death penalty. The EU encourages the Turkmenistan authorities to pursue their engagement and in their efforts in view of the abolition of the death penalty".