Brussels, 06/11/2006 (Agence Europe) - In a statement issued on 5 November, the Finnish Presidency of the EU 'notes the conclusion' of the trial against Saddam Hussein and his sentencing to death by hanging: 'Establishing the truth and ensuring accountability for the crimes committed during the past regime will assist in furthering national reconciliation and dialogue in Iraq in the future… the Presidency also recalls the longstanding position of the EU against the death penalty. The EU opposes capital punishment in all cases and under all circumstances and it should not be carried out in this case either.' The Finnish Presidency statement adds that 'over the years, the EU repeatedly condemned the systematic, widespread and extremely grave violations of human right and international humanitarian law committ4d by the regime of Saddam Hussein.' (hb)