Iran stoning woman not executed, France says

Thank God! Or should I say thank Alah?

An Iranian woman sentenced to death by stoning for adultery has not yet been executed, says French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner.

A rights group had said Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani could face the death penalty as early as Wednesday.

Mr Kouchner said Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki told him no verdict in her case had been reached.

The AFP news agency quoted an Iranian judiciary official as saying Ms Ashtiani was in "perfect health".

Ms Ashtiani was originally convicted of adultery several years ago and sentenced to death by stoning.

Her case rose to international prominence and in July reports emerged that she had been sentenced to death for the murder of her husband.

In September, Iran said her stoning sentence had been suspended but she could still be hanged for murder.

A rights group campaigning to free Ms Ashtiani earlier said that "authorities in Tehran have given the go-ahead to Tabriz prison" to execute her, possibly on Wednesday or soon after.

The International Committee Against Stoning then said that Ms Ashtiani had not been executed on Wednesday because of the global protests the news aroused.

A number of countries, including France, the US, the UK and Canada, had condemned her possible execution.

"We call on the Iranian authorities to respect basic human rights, cease their policy of repression and intimidation and release those who are currently being held without justification," said Mr Kouchner after his telephone call with Mr Mottaki.

We appeal to Iranian authorities:

 Change your minds!

 Changing is a often a sign of intelligence. No human

 being has the right to decide on people's right to life.

 Life is gift from a higher will. Going against it may

 offend Him  deeply

(no matter the name you call HIM)