Chirac attacks US on death penalty

The French President, Mr Jacques Chirac, criticised the US administration in a speech before the UN Human Rights Commission in Geneva yesterday. France does not preach to other countries, Mr Chirac said, but the death penalty "in no case can constitute an act of justice".

No justice system was infallible, and every execution risked killing an innocent person. In a clear allusion to President George Bush's home state of Texas, he asked: "What can be said of the execution of minors or of persons suffering from mental deficiencies? I call for a worldwide abolition of the death penalty, the first step of which would be a general moratorium."

Mr Chirac singled out the US for criticism a second time, condemning Mr Bush's announcement that Washington will not respect the Kyoto Protocol.

"At this time of global warming, of the unacceptable questioning of the Kyoto Protocol. . . how can we affirm the right to a protected environment. . ?" he asked. "I solemnly call on all states, and first of all the industrialised countries, to enforce the Kyoto Protocol on climate change completely and without further delay."

Ms Nicole Fontaine, the French president of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, condemned "the irresponsibility of President George Bush". A Green deputy, Mr Noel Mamere, called Mr Bush "an ecological criminal."

Criticising the US is always popular in France, and Mr Chirac's outburst briefly diverted attention from the controversy over his rejection of a judge's summons in a financial scandal regarding kickbacks from lycee contracts when Mr Chirac was mayor of Paris.

The French President praised Mrs Mary Robinson's "faith and courage in all places and in all circumstances". He said he deeply regretted her departure from the UN Human Rights Commission and, like her, deplored the limited means she was given to carry out her mission.