SA condemns torture of Iraqis

2004-05-04 18:48

Pretoria - The South African government expressed deep concern on Tuesday at reports of torture of Iraqi prisoners by US and British troops.

"Such actions are a violation of international law, the Geneva Conventions, and in contravention of all human rights instruments and treaties that specifically outlaw all forms of torture," Deputy Foreign Affairs minister Aziz Pahad said.

Pahad added that South Africa welcomed the stringent condemnations issued by President George W Bush and Prime Minister Tony Blair against the abuse of Iraqi prisoners.

"The fact that criminal investigations against the perpetrators of the abuses have begun is a positive sign.

"The South African government joins international calls for an expedited independent inquiry into the conduct of these... forces and into other reports that indicate similar patterns of abuse," he said.

"In effect, the reports of abuse undermine the stated goals of the coalition forces to bring about a human rights-based culture and democracy in Iraq, under the rule of law, in line with international norms and standards. These incidents serve only to erode the confidence of the Iraqi people."

Pahad also repeated calls for a central role for the United Nations in the political process in Iraq.

Considerably more needed to be done to restore peace and security in Iraq to effect the smooth transfer of power to the Iraqi people, he said.

- SAPA