“I understand that the ambassadors of the European Union visited death row prisoners in Muntinlupa. They have already formally conveyed their stand and we understand their position.  However, the Philippine Government has made its decision to carry out the sentence of death on two individuals who had been properly tried, convicted and sentenced,” Secretary Albert said.

On 5 December 2003, Italian Ambassador Umberto Colesanti, on behalf of the European Union, called on former Secretary of Foreign Affairs Blas F. Ople to formally convey the EU’s longstanding and firm position against the use of the death penalty.

“I would like to reiterate that the EU demarche was not unexpected.  We have given the EU the opportunity to make its representation. We will be always open to continue our dialogue on this issue as well as on other issues.  I hope to meet the ambassadors of the EU shortly and I am sure we will take up this matter and a host of other issues,” Secretary Albert said.
 
When asked if she believed that the EU ambassadors were going beyond their diplomatic mandate and already interfering in the internal affairs of the Philippines, Secretary Albert expressed confidence that the EU ambassadors are fully aware of their responsibilities and limitations.

“The EU ambassadors are all diplomats of the highest caliber and would know the limits placed by tradition, by convention and by international law on our profession.  The Philippines provides wide democratic space for public debate on this issue, of that there can be no doubt.  But to be able to address this issue as representatives of sovereign states, it is my expectation that we will focus more on diplomatic dialogue,” the Secretary added. END.