Italy to push for death penalty moratorium at UN

Via BreakingNews.ie

Italy to push for death penalty moratorium at UN

The Italian government today said it would take “formal steps” in a renewed push for a UN call for a moratorium on the death penalty following Saddam Hussein’s execution.

The premier’s office said in a statement that Italy would seek the support of other countries that oppose capital punishment to put the issue of a moratorium to the UN General Assembly.

Italian Foreign Minister Massimo D’Alema has said that Premier Romano Prodi’s government would work for the end of the death penalty worldwide following denunciations across Europe of Saddam’s hanging.

In the past, Italy has lobbied unsuccessfully for United Nations’ action against the death penalty. Italy is now one of the rotating countries on the UN Security Council.

Saddam’s execution by hanging on Saturday was denounced virtually across Italy’s political spectrum, with former premier and conservative opposition leader Silvio Berlusconi calling the killing a political error and centre-left leader Prodi expressing worry that the execution would fuel more violence in Iraq.

Morning Briefing, December 21st

Well, im in a festive spirit today! Im cuurently wearing my santa hat (with added plats) and red flashing nose. The bus driver of the number 14 did better than me though this morining dressed in a full santa suit!!!

BreakingNews.ie reports on crticisim for Transport 21 from the ERSI and Fine Gael.

It also reports that traditional psychiatric hospitals will be closed by 2010.

BreakingNews also reports that election results in Iran have been won by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's opponents.

France 24 reports on the death of Turkmenistein's President, Saparmurat Niyazov.

CNN reports on uproar in Italy over a 'gay navity, scene.

RTÉ reports that the General Election will be a summer election after comments by Bertie Ahern.

Merry Christmas! as im not sure if ill be onlinbe over the next few days!!

Happy Christmas & a prosperous new year

Nollaig Shona agus Athbhliain faoi mhaise duit.