The European Union called on Sudan to commute the sentences...

The European Union called on Sudan to commute the sentences of five people who had been sentenced to death and were to be executed on January 5, a statement issued by the Greek foreign ministry said.
"The European Union reiterates its concern about the respect of human rights in Sudan," it said.
"It condemns the death sentences and barbarous practices imposed on five individuals, which are due to be carried out on 5 January 2003 and are inconsistent with the international law of human rights, Sudan's obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which Sudan has ratified, and the UN Convention Against Torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
"The EU urges the government of Sudan to commute these sentences by presidential pardon and avoid the executions by hanging or cross- amputations," the statement added.
Foreign ministry spokesman Panos Beglitis said the statement was issued after agreement by the 15-nation EU to stop "these barbarous condemnations".
The five men had been charged with armed robbery and were found guilty by a Khartum court in 1999. They asked for a pardon in December but the executions were only put off until January 5, said Beglitis.
Greece took over the six-month rotating EU presidency o January 1.