CIA abuses investigation: EP and national parliaments must pressure governments to engage in CIA investigations

Speaking following yesterday's vote by the temporary committee on CIA activities to adopt the interim report (Fava), Kathalijne Buitenweg, Green coordinator on the committee, and Cem Özdemir, Vice-President of the CIA Committee commented:

"We welcome the adoption of the interim report of the CIA committee, which confirms the findings of the Council of Europe and adds to the body of evidence highlighting illegal CIA activities in Europe. The Fava report has left beyond doubt the collusion of certain EU governments in CIA renditions.

"The investigation into CIA abuses in Europe must press ahead and, with the aid of national parliaments, compel non-cooperative Member States to actively engage in the inquiry. Member States must fulfil their obligations under the European Convention for Human Rights to launch investigations when human rights violations are suspected, which is beyond doubt in this case.

"We are disappointed that so many Members of the European People's Party voted against the report. They insist on denying any problems, despite the evidence to the contrary, and continue to hamper the work of the Parliament CIA committee.

"The abduction and torture of detainees is abhorrent and contravenes core European values and laws. It is important that these abuses are not merely swept under the table and that the requisite action is taken to ensure this never happens again. The EP committee must continue its work to bring the investigation to a satisfactory conclusion."

Editors Notes: (1) The temporary committee on CIA activity adopted the Fava report by 25 votes to 14 with 7 abstentions, with EPP members voting against the report. The report will be tabled at Parliament's plenary session next July.

Source: www.greens-efa.org/cms/pressreleases/dok/134/134427.cia_abuses_investigation@en.htm