Resolution on the initiative in favour of a universal moratorium on the death penalty in the context of the UN

The European Parliament adopted a resolution on a universal moratorium on the death penalty. It expressed its concern about the threat of execution that hangs over thousands of people in the world, but was encouraged by the fact that the number of abolitionist countries has continued to rise in recent years. The Italian Presidency of the Council informed the Parliament that one of its political priorities as regards foreign policy was the adoption by the UN's General Assembly of a resolution establishing a moratorium on capital punishment. The deadline for the submission of a text on this topic is 7 November 2003. Parliament asked the Council Presidency to take swift action to ensure that a resolution calling for a universal moratorium on capital punishment is submitted to the UN General Assembly currently in session in New York. It urges the EU institutions and the Member States to make every endeavour in the political and diplomatic spheres to ensure the most appropriate support for this resolution within the UN General Assembly.�