B5-0144, 0155, 0159, 0169 and 0171/1999

Resolution on the vote on the UN General Assembly resolution on the creation of a universal moratorium on capital punishment

The European Parliament,

- having regard to its previous resolutions on the death penalty,

A. reaffirming that abolition of the death penalty will help to consolidate human dignity and

gradually extend the scope of human rights,

B. concerned at the threat of execution overhanging thousands of persons and at the plight of

European nationals condemned to death in third countries,

C. extremely concerned at the death sentence passed on Mr Öcalan,

1. Congratulates the Council, and in particular the Finnish Presidency, for having decided to

submit to the United Nations General Assembly, on behalf of the Union, a resolution on the

abolition of the death penalty;

2. Calls on the Finnish Presidency and on Member States to ensure that the text of the above

resolution makes explicit reference to the future establishment of a universal moratorium on

capital punishment;

3. Considers it moreover of the highest importance for the above resolution to provide for the

appointment of a special rapporteur instructed to ensure implementation of the resolution's

contents and propose mechanisms and actions designed to ensure genuine implementation of

the resolution;

4. Welcomes the abolition of the death penalty in certain countries, in particular those of central and eastern Europe;

5. Expresses its concern at those countries that are proceeding to revive capital punishment

despite having dispensed with it for many years;

6. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the

United Nations Secretary-General.