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Bush: Soldiers must answer
10/05/2004 20:38 - (SA)
Washington - United States President George W Bush pledged on Monday there would be a "full accounting" for the "cruel and disgraceful abuse" of Iraqi detainees at Abu Ghraib prison.
"The Iraqi people need to know our coalition is fully committed to their independence and we're fully committed to their national dignity," Bush said during a visit to the pentagon, where he delivered a strong vote of confidence in embattled defence secretary Donald Rumsfeld.
"Because America's committed to the equality and dignity of all people, there will be a full accounting for the cruel and disgraceful abuse of Iraqi detainees," said the president.
"Conduct that has come to light is an insult to the Iraqi people and an affront to the most-basic standards of morality and decency," Bush said.
"One basic difference between democracies and dictatorships is that free countries confront such abuses openly and directly.
'Iraq is better for being free'
"Some soldiers have already been charged, and those involved will answer for their conduct in an orderly and transparent process," he said.
"All prison operations in Iraq will be thoroughly reviewed to make certain such offences are not repeated.
"Those responsible for these abuses have caused harm that goes well beyond the walls of a prison," Bush said. "It has given some an excuse to question our cause. And to cast doubt on our motives.
"Yet, who can doubt that Iraq is better for being free from one of the most bloodiest tyrants the world has ever known?" he said in a reference to ousted Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein.
Bush also lavished praise on the US armed forces.
"I know how painful it is to see a small number dishonour the honourable cause in which so many are sacrificing," he said.
"What took place in the Iraqi prison does not reflect the character of more than 200 000 military personnel who have served in Iraq since the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom."
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