Statement by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dermot Ahern, T.D., on the Executions in Iraq of Barzan Al Takriti and Awad Hamed Al Bandar

Speaking today, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dermot Ahern, T.D., said “the Government is firmly opposed to the use of the death penalty in all cases.  This is also the EU position, and it has been communicated very clearly to the Iraqi Government.”

The Minister continued:  “I condemn this morning’s executions.  I regret that the Iraqi Government did not listen to the appeals from the UN Secretary General and others for a stay of execution in relation to these death sentences.

“Reports on the gruesome circumstances of today’s executions are very disturbing.  I believe it is in the interests of justice and reconciliation in Iraq that the Iraqi authorities now take the step of ending executions.

“The priority now must be to stabilise the situation in Iraq, and help the Iraqi people to come together to rebuild their country after decades of the most brutal dictatorship and war.

“Iraq’s neighbours must be encouraged to cooperate in this process and to end the slide towards terrible civil war.

“The EU will continue to assist the Iraqi people.  The Government last week announced assistance of a further €3 million for the large numbers of Iraqis who have been forced to flee their homes because of the appalling sectarian violence.”

ENDS +++
15 February 2006
Press Office
Department of Foreign Affairs,
Dublin 2.
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