275 000 say Rumsfeld must go
2004-05-11 20:25
Washington - At least 275 000 people have signed a petition launched by Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry calling for US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld to resign over the Iraqi prisoner abuse scandal, his campaign director said on Monday.
"More than 275 000 supporters signed our petition," said Mary Beth Cahill in a statement. "Americans want accountability and responsibility at the highest levels of our government."
Calls have multiplied for Rumsfeld to resign after images of Iraqi prisoners being abused by US personnel at Abu Ghraib prison in Baghdad were made public, scandalising opinion worldwide, especially among Arabs.
US President George W Bush, who has promised a "full accounting" over the scandal, defended Rumsfeld, saying he was doing a "superb job".
Kerry also has questioned Bush's right to lead in the wake of the scandal. - Sapa-AFP
- SAPA