Morocco abstained from the resolution on the death...

Morocco abstained from the resolution on the death penalty approved by the UN Commission on Human Rights on April 28 (1999/61).Speaking at the UNCHR, Mr Dahak (Consultative Council for Human Rights of the Kingdom of Morocco) said that by virtue of its commitment to dialogue and tolerance as well as of the systematic endorsement of its views and proposals by King Hassan II, the Council had, since its establishment nine years previously, made considerable progress in promoting basic freedoms and strengthening human rights safeguards. It had brought about the release of all prisoners of conscience and most prisoners whose crimes had been committed for ideological motives, even those convicted of violent acts. The King had also amnestied or commuted the sentences of all prisoners facing the death penalty. Morocco was a cosponsor of the amendments presented by Egypt (A/C.3/54/L.31 and L.32) to the resolution for a moratorium on executions presented by the European Union at the 54th UN General Assembly (A/C.3/54/L.8/Rev.1).