December 10, 1998 (8:45 p.m. EST) No. 292

AXWORTHY WELCOMES POSTPONEMENT

OF FAULDER EXECUTION

Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy welcomed a decision by the United States Supreme Court to postpone the execution of a Canadian citizen, Stanley Faulder, who had been scheduled to be executed by the State of Texas at 6:00 p.m., Texas time, today.

The Court made its decision in respect to a petition filed by Mr. Faulder on November 25. That petition was supported by an amicus brief addressing the Vienna Convention issues submitted by the Government of Canada.

"I believe the court has acted appropriately," said Mr. Axworthy. "The stay of execution will provide time for the special issues associated with Mr. Faulder's conviction and sentence to be addressed."

Mr. Axworthy noted that the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations defines an international standard for all governments that provides protection and assistance for all people when they are in difficulty in another country.

"The fact that this international standard was not respected by the authorities at the time of Mr. Faulder's arrest and trial seriously undermines the safeguards we want for citizens of all countries, including Americans," added Minister Axworthy. "Texas authorities clearly should have given this matter much more serious and careful attention."

Mr. Axworthy commended the members of Mr. Faulder's family for their courage and determination under exceptionally trying circumstances and expressed his appreciation for the support in Canada, the United States and around the world that has been given to Mr. Faulder's cause. He noted, in particular, the support given by the American Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mary Robinson, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the countries of the European Union.

"The quality of that support demonstrates the international community is prepared to address the troublesome issues raised by Mr. Faulder's situation," concluded Mr. Axworthy. "They affect all of us, and Canada will be at the forefront in pushing for appropriate action."

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