12 February 2004 – Foreign Affairs Secretary Delia Domingo Albert yesterday reiterated to the European Union  (EU) the position of the Philippine Government on the issue of the death penalty when the EU Troika called on the Secretary yesterday to again convey the EU’s views on the death penalty.

“Yesterday, the EU, through its Troika, reiterated their views against the death penalty.  I told them that they know where the Philippines stands on this issue.  We acknowledged that we have a difference of opinion on this matter.  However, we also acknowledged that we can discuss our differences and hear each other out
in a frank and friendly manner because of our close and strong relations and because we share many fundamental values and aspirations.  We agreed that while we can discuss our differences, our relationship will not be defined by these differences,” the Secretary said.

“During the call of the EU Troika, I also told them that I appreciate the fact that this time they decided to use official channels to convey their views on this issue instead of resorting to unofficial routes,” the Secretary said,
referring to the highly visible visit last month of the EU ambassadors to the Bilibid prison. “The EU assured me that their visit was not intended to embarrass the government.  They made the commitment to use official and
diplomatic channels, as is proper in diplomacy, to convey their positions in the future,” she added.

The Secretary said that she believed that the EU ambassadors are keenly aware of the Philippines position, particularly, that the death penalty continues to be an important element in the country’s war against crime. “The President’s decision to lift the moratorium on the death penalty on specific crimes should not be taken in isolation.  This is a decision that adds to the arsenal of the Republic in its war against crime.  And it is a war in which we have had many recent and stunning victories.  We are running down and wearing down those
responsible for heinous crimes.  Much of the credit goes to the dedicated officials in charge of this war and to the citizenry who have decided to do their part in winning this war,” Secretary Albert said.

The EU Troika that called on the Secretary was headed by Ambassador Robert  Vornis of the Netherlands, who in turn represented the Irish non-resident Ambassador to the Philippines. Ireland currently holds the Presidency of the EU. The EU Troika is composed of the immediate past, current and immediate future Presidents of the EU. END.