Friday, June 25, 2004

Not an issue, but...

Concerning the extension of that order exempting U.S. soldiers and contractors from criminal charges in Iraq, Bremer has apparently announced its extension to the proposed date of Iraqi elections in January 2005.

...The order gives all foreign personnel in the U.S.-led Coalition Provisional Authority immunity from local courts and any form of arrest or detention other than by persons acting on behalf of their parent states.

...The Post, quoting U.S. officials, said the administration was acting to prevent the new Iraqi interim government from having to grant a blanket waiver as one of its first acts, which could undermine its credibility as it assumes power.

...Air Force Maj. Michael Shavers, a Defense Department spokesman, said, "We are not doing this in a vacuum. He added, "The United States is negotiating with the U.N. and the interim government on the status of U.S. forces after June 30.
  Iraq Net article

Yes, and they have refused to extend the exemption as concerns war crimes triable in International Court.

But at least for now, the torturers and war criminals can be assured they are safe from prosecution in American and Iraqi courts.

"We don't expect this to be an issue," Defense Department spokesman Bryan Whitman told Reuters of the planned extension of "Order 17" until a Baghdad government is elected.

If we didn't think it might be an issue, we wouldn't need the provision.

....but hey, do what you want....you will anyway.

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