30 October 2006 :

there should be “European consensus” for a UN resolution for a universal moratorium on executions, said Italy’s Foreign Minister Massimo D’Alema. D’Alema was explaining his government’s actions in light of the motion passed by the Chamber of Deputies last July urging Italy to present at the ongoing UN General Assembly a resolution for a universal moratorium on executions, with view to complete abolition of the death penalty.
“A unanimous consensus has emerged within Europe to firstly present a declaration undersigned by all EU member states, before presenting a resolution at the 62nd General Assembly, that is to say the next assembly,” in 2007, stated the deputy Prime Minister.
Last July 27, the Chamber of Deputies unanimously approved a motion appointing the government to present at the ongoing UN General Assembly, “in consultation with EU member states, a resolution for a universal moratorium on capital executions with view to complete abolishment of the death penalty; to work so as to assure the co sponsorship of EU member states to the UN resolution and the backing of states representing all continents, acting immediately on a bilateral level with states belonging to the UN General Assembly which could decide to co sponsor, vote in favour or, in some cases, at least abstain on the moratorium resolution.”
“As Parliament proposed to work in consultation with the EU, it would in my opinion be a mistake to go against the European consensus on the matter. Acting on our own would create an unpleasant situation, also in light of the fact that European treaties ask each country to plan the stance to be assumed at international fora,” D’Alema stated following an informal meeting at the Foreign Commission of the Chamber of Deputies.
“We have arrived at this point,” continued D’Alema, “the government intends to act within this consensus meaning that the resolution will be presented next year, it doesn’t mean that it will not be presented at all: the joint declaration will be a preliminary act.”