Ashton condemns executions in Belarus

Catherine Ashton, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, issued a statement in Brussels on July 22:

Ashton condemned the executions in Belarus, BelaPAN reports.

“I strongly condemn the execution, reported by the state media, in Belarus of Mr. Aleh Hyrshkawtsow and Mr. Andey Burdyka, who were sentenced to death in May 2010,” Ashton’s press service cite the statement.

“I am aware of the terrible crimes that these two men committed, and my thoughts are with the victims and their families. Nevertheless, the European Union opposes the use of capital punishment under all circumstances,” the EU foreign policy chief said.

Ashton called on Belarus to join a global moratorium as a first step towards its universal abolition.