Europe, U.S. Governments At Risk Over CIA Flights

[Judi Lynn]

Europe, U.S. Governments At Risk Over CIA Flights
Oxford Analytica, 02.06.06, 6:00 AM ET

Switzerland allowed non-commercial U.S. aircraft access to Swiss air space again on Feb. 1, after Washington provided assurances that it had not used it to transport terrorist suspects. There is growing evidence of widespread illegal activities linked to the "rendition" of terrorist suspects by many governments. If it is authenticated, a number of European Union governments will find themselves politically embarrassed.

Dick Marty, the Swiss parliamentary deputy leading the Council of Europe's investigation into allegations of secret CIA interrogation camps in Europe, submitted an interim report on Jan. 22 that offered the first formal findings from Europe's main democracy and human rights body into the CIA flights controversy. The report concluded that "it is highly unlikely" that EU governments were unaware of illegal activities, as most have thus far insisted. The final report will constitute a serious appraisal of the extent of EU collaboration with U.S. anti-terror activities, which few governments will be able to brush aside. A number of parallel investigations will increase the pressure on European governments.

Central and Eastern European countries present a special case, as allegations of detention camps on their soil could prove most damaging:

--Poland: The government has ordered an inquiry into allegations about a secret CIA prison in the country. A report was expected in December, but has not yet appeared. Both the outgoing and incoming Polish governments have formally denied any involvement.
(snip/...)

http://www.forbes.com/business/2006/02/03/europe-cia-aircraft_cx_0206oxford.html?partner=rss

[salin]

1. If I recall... on her whirl wind Euro tour, Condi's denials

also implied a few shrouded threats... something along the lines of ... of course we don't do this, and your govts will tell you the same thing, as they would *know* (ergo been involved) had this been done. Or perhaps it was a "dare you to claim otherwise - as it will come out that your (govt) hands are dirty too...

It was an odd bit of theater - but she is coming to be known for that.

[EFerrari]

4. Rice is a felon in nice shoes.

:puke:

[katmondoo]

2. When are the European countries going to get IT

Bush LIES all of the time about everything.

[rodeodance]

3. "Europe' knew the Irag war would cause problems for them--even as

some joined us in the invasion. Even if not initially or directly involved (troops)--they get drawn in one way or another. The pond still provides more protection for us.

[PSPS]

5. How terrible that they "will find themselves politically embarrassed"

> If it is authenticated, a number of European Union governments will
> find themselves politically embarrassed.

What a delicate way to dscribe their complicity in bush's murder machine.

[zann725]

6. Wasn't Shrub's college/life-long male 'friend' Ashe--Ambassador to Poland?

That could smooth over any possibly blossoming illegal flights/prisons from U.S. to/over P.