Brussels, 10/01/2003 (Agence Europe) - On 10 January, the Greek Presidency issued the following declaration on behalf of the European Union:
"The European Union reiterates its concern about the respect of the human rights in Sudan. It condemns the death sentences and barbarous practices imposed on five individuals, which are due to be carried out on 5 January 2003 and are inconsistent with the international law of human rights, Sudan's obligations under the international covenant on civil and political rights, which Sudan has ratified, and the UN Convention against torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
The EU urges the government of Sudan to commute these sentences by presidential pardon and avoid the executions by hanging or the cross-amputations.
The Central and Eastern European countries associated with the European Union, the associated countries Cyprus and Malta, and the EFTA countries, members of the European Economic Area, align themselves with this declaration".