Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

The question of capital punishment is a matter of intense and serious debate in the United States, as well as in the international fora.  We welcome this opportunity to discuss this issue with our OSCE partners.

Each person facing capital punishment in the United States is constitutionally guaranteed fair and impartial proceedings, the right to appeal, and effective assistance of counsel.

Under United States law, an individual sentenced to death is entitled to a fact-finding procedure that affords a full and fair hearing to assess his or her mental competence.

The defendants raised here, Ms. Allen and Mr. Smallwood, each received procedural and substantive protections under Oklahoma and United States law.  The issue of competence to be executed was raised by counsel in the appellate process, but was eventually rejected.

Mr. Chairman, the imposition of capital punishment in these cases is fully consistent with international law.  It is imposed for the most serious of crimes and in accordance with due process of law.
Thank you very much.