22/08/2013 (Agence Europe) - Catherine Ashton regrets execution of prisoners. On 22 August, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton regretted the execution of 17 prisoners in Iraq on 19 August. While recognising that “the security situation in Iraq is very difficult” and the seriousness of the crimes for which those sentenced to death were convicted, Ashton reiterated that the EU is opposed to the death penalty. Sixteen of the prisoners were convicted for terrorism. Ashton considered that the suspension of the death penalty earlier this year was a welcome step and urged the Iraqi government to move towards a moratorium on executions as a first step towards the definitive abolition of capital punishment. Since the beginning of 2013, 67 people have been executed, compared with 129 in 2012. (CG/transl.fl)