The New Nation - Internet Edition

Agency

US President George W Bush has approved the US Army's request to execute a soldier convicted of several charges of rape and murder.

It is the first time in more than 50 years that an American president has authorized a death sentence for a member of the armed forces.

Private Ronald Gray was convicted in 1988 over crimes committed while he was based with the army in North Carolina. US military justice requires the president to approve a death sentence. "While approving a sentence of death for a member of our armed services is a serious and difficult decision for a commander in chief, the president believes the facts of this case leave no doubt that the sentence is just and warranted," White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said a statement.