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UN High Commissioner Appeals to Iraqi President

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour has appealed to Iraqi President Jalal Talabani to prevent the execution of two of Saddam Hussein’s co-defendants. Arbour argued that international law allows the death penalty only in exceptional circumstances and that international obligations require Iraq to give the two men an opportunity to seek commutation or pardon. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has given his support to Arbour’s appeal.

http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=21147&Cr=iraq&Cr1= 

Digest

OECD Economic Survey of the Euro Area

In its Economic Survey of the Euro Area, the OECD emphasized the urgency of seizing the opportunity of the current European economic revival to push through fiscal reforms. The OECD recommends changes – starting with expenditure restraint – that would restore the sustainability of public finances, especially in high-debt countries.

For a press release, see http://www.oecd.org/document/40/0,2340,en_2649_201185_37849384_1_1_1_1,00.html

Digest

UN Human Rights Expert Criticizes Saddam’s Execution

NYU Law Professor Philip Alston, the UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, finds that glaring flaws in the trial of Saddam Hussein denied him a fair hearing. He specifically criticizes the speed with which the execution followed the final judgment, barring Saddam from any meaningful appeal. He also finds that the mocking Saddam was subjected to during his execution, and the subsequent release of the footage to the world, was a clear violation of human rights laws. The first step towards reform of Iraq’s justice system, according to Alston, would be to halt the execution of Saddam’s co-defendants.

http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=21155&Cr=iraq&Cr1=

Digest

Lamy Urges Norway and Others to Conclude the Doha Round

On January 4, 2007, at the Annual Conference of the Norwegian Confederation of Industries, WTO Director-General Pascal Lamy emphasized the importance of the Doha Round to world trade, and specifically the benefits Norway would obtain from a genuine agricultural reform. Lamy indicated that the main objective of the Doha Round is to correct some of the remaining imbalances in the current trade rules through a strengthening of rules and commitments to correct and prevent restrictions and distortions in world agricultural markets.

For the complete speech, click here.

Digest

U.S. and Panama Agree to Terms of Free Trade Agreement

U.S. Trade Representative Susan C. Schwab announced the conclusion of negotiations with Panama’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Alejandro Ferrer. Though the agreement is still subject to more discussion regarding labor, it will eliminate ninety percent of Panama’s tariffs on industrial goods immediately, with a ten year phase-out for the remaining tariffs. The agreement also establishes a monitoring program for Panama’s free trade zones, and it will allow U.S. exporters further opportunity to take part in the multi-billion dollar expansion of the Panama Canal. The full USTR press release is here.

Digest

UN Adopts Convention on Enforced Disappearance

On December 20, the United Nations General Assembly adopted an International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance.  The Convention had been co-sponsored by over 100 member states.

News on this, as well as today’s  other actions of the General Assembly,  is available here.

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