BRUSSELS, Sept. 5 (UPI) -- Poland is resisting an EU draft measure to create an annual death penalty day, demanding debate on life and death to include abortion and euthanasia.
Polish Foreign Minister Ana Fotyga said the death penalty isn't European problem as every country in Europe has a law against the capital punishment, the EUobserver reported Wednesday.
The European Commission formally proposed the idea of the European death penalty day in June, with Oct. 10 set aside each year to mark the day. The European action would be in addition to the world day against the death penalty, which has been observed each Oct. 10 since 2003.
The draft declaration proposed by the European Union and the Council of Europe is inviting European citizens to support the death penalty abolition in the world.
Poland’s opposition could stop the efforts to declare the European death penalty day as decisions by the EU council are being taken by a consensus. However, EU officials told the EUobserver they are optimistic the draft bill will be adopted in time.
