Britain's Blair, defense minister seek to downplay Iraq prisoners scandal

[Barrett808]

LONDON (AFP) - British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who apologized at the weekend over the alleged torture of Iraqi prisoners by British troops, sought to minimize the scandal, as it emerged that two cases of abuse were close to prosecution.

Blair said he had not seen a confidential report by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on the treatment of Iraqi prisoners, adding that he understood it contained just two references to the conduct of British forces in Iraq.

"My understanding is that both issues have been dealt with properly," the prime minister told a London press conference.

A spokesman for Blair's office confirmed Saturday that the British government had seen a copy of the ICRC report in February, the same time as the US administration had.

(more)

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/afp/20040510/wl_mideast_afp/iraq_britain_prisoners&cid=1514&ncid=1480

[nadinbrzezinski]

1. And it grows

[cspiguy]

2. old story, move along, questions already answered,...

(Hey Tony, about that yellowcake...)

[nadinbrzezinski]

3. Now that is a non-news item, right up there

with the 45 minute warning, we really did not say it, really

Don't say it, we did not

[Mandate My Ass]

4. I didn't read the report .............. *BUT* all is well!!

I know it is. I'm just so sure. It's been dealt with. It was an isolated incident. Transfer of limited sovereignity is a month away. Rose petals are everywhere. Here, have a scone. :crazy: