US 'shifts' position on torture
The US secretary of state says the UN treaty on torture applies to American interrogators in the US and overseas, in an apparent shift in US policy.
The Bush administration has previously said the convention, which bans cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment, does not apply to US personnel abroad.
Correspondents say a reason for the shift might be pressure from Congress.
Condoleezza Rice's European tour has been dogged by claims the CIA used foreign bases to hold terror suspects.
Ms Rice said the US was bound by the UN Convention against Torture (CAT).
It "extends to US personnel wherever they are, whether they are in the US or outside the US," Ms Rice said in Ukraine.
Her comments appear to contrast with the US Attorney-General, Alberto Gonzales, who said last year the convention did not apply to US interrogations of foreigners overseas.
US officials travelling with Ms Rice were quoted by Reuters news agency as saying it represented a marked shift in US policy.
But, according to AFP news agency, one aide to Ms Rice said her remarks were "a clarification of policy, not a shift".
Sure, thanks for 'clarifying' that, Dr. Rice.
I told you she would take a beating. She doesn't hold up under stress very well, does she?
Thursday, December 08, 2005
slithering backwards....
US 'shifts' position on torture
The US secretary of state says the UN treaty on torture applies to American interrogators in the US and overseas, in an apparent shift in US policy.
The Bush administration has previously said the convention, which bans cruel, inhumane and degrading treatment, does not apply to US personnel abroad.
Correspondents say a reason for the shift might be pressure from Congress.
Condoleezza Rice's European tour has been dogged by claims the CIA used foreign bases to hold terror suspects.
Ms Rice said the US was bound by the UN Convention against Torture (CAT).
It "extends to US personnel wherever they are, whether they are in the US or outside the US," Ms Rice said in Ukraine.
Her comments appear to contrast with the US Attorney-General, Alberto Gonzales, who said last year the convention did not apply to US interrogations of foreigners overseas.
US officials travelling with Ms Rice were quoted by Reuters news agency as saying it represented a marked shift in US policy.
But, according to AFP news agency, one aide to Ms Rice said her remarks were "a clarification of policy, not a shift".
Sure, thanks for 'clarifying' that, Dr. Rice.
I told you she would take a beating. She doesn't hold up under stress very well, does she?
WANTED
Dead or Alive
