LOC17:24
14:24 GMT
PARIS, Oct 5 (KUNA) -- France on Friday condemned Iraq for carrying out six
executions on Thursday and reiterated concern over the growing use of capital
punishment in that country.
"This brings to 102 the number of prisoners executed in Iraq since the
beginning of the year," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Philippe Lalliot.
"We have already had the opportunity to express our worry relative to the
growing use of capital punishment in Iraq," the official added.
France this month will launch an official campaign for the abolition of
capital punishment worldwide and "recalls its firm and constant opposition to
the use of the death penalty in all places and circumstances," Lalliot
indicated.
The French government will call for all countries using capital punishment
to end this practice, or at least adopt a moratorium pending a later decision
on the issue.
The French authorities last month condemned Japan for ending a moratorium
on executions when two people were put to death in that country. (end)
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KUNA 051724 Oct 12NNNN