Brussels, 15/07/2003 (Agence Europe) - The Italian Presidency has made the following statement on behalf of the European Union:
"The European Union welcomes the entry into force on 1 July 2003 of Protocol No. 13to the European Convention on Human Rights, concerning the abolition of the death penalty in all circumstances. This Protocol is banning the death penalty in all circumstances, including for crimes committed in times of war and imminent threat of war. No derogation or reservation...