US tries to assure allies that extraordinary renditions are over

[kpete]

US tries to assure allies that extraordinary renditions are over
By Guy Dinmore in Washington

Published: December 27 2006 02:00 | Last updated: December 27 2006 02:00

The US is telling its overseas allies that it has stopped "extraordinary renditions" and needs their help to empty Guantánamo's prison cells. But human rights groups dispute this assertion and a question mark hangs over 200 "war on terror" detainees who could be held indefinitely without trial.

European diplomats say Washington is reacting to pressure from parliamentary investigations, lawsuits from former prisoners, and calls by friendly governments, including the UK, to close Guantánamo, the prison camp at a US naval base in Cuba.

However, the administration's response is seen as confused and inadequate. Analysts attribute this to internal divisions over how far to roll back controversial counter-terrorism practices - including torture, secret prisons, detention without trial, and renditions - as the price for rekindling transatlantic relations.

Washington was particularly stung by a report last month by a committee of the European parliament that condemned the alleged complicity of governments in the CIA's illegal detention and transportation of prisoners.

more at:
http://www.rawstory.com/showoutarticle.php?src=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ft.com%2Fcms%2Fs%2Fb0ab3116-954e-11db-a911-0000779e2340.html

[SpiralHawk]

1. "We don't torture. Smirk, smirk, wink, wink." - Commander AWOL

"heh heh heh, smirk, smirk." - Commander AWOL of the First Skull & Boner Occult Cabal Squadron

[acmavm]

2. Sure, I'd trust this bunch of murderous lying thieves. If they said

they quit doing something that was incredibly immoral, hell yeah. I'd take their word for it.

:sarcasm:

[Solly Mack]

3. "OK. I've stopped committing certain war crimes. Help me now"

To rekindle transatlantic relations America must pay a "price" by not committing war crimes?

Gee, it's such a hardship for America to stop torturing people that its a "price" to pay? As if it's an opportunity cost?

"No more playing pretty in the transatlantic sandbox with you until you stop torturing people! We mean it!"

Damn. Fuck this.

[MidwestTransplant]

4. Now that we can toture at home, there is no longer a need.