Blair apologies for Iraq abuses
The prime minister has apologised for any alleged mistreatment of Iraqi prisoners by British troops.
Speaking during an interview on French television station 3, Tony Blair promised those responsible would be punished and said: “We apologise deeply to anyone who has been mistreated by our soldiers. This is totally unacceptable.
“Those responsible will be punished according to the army disciplinary rules.”
However, the Ministry of Defence denied that the prime minister’s words amounted to an admission that allegations that Iraqi prisoners had been abused by some UK troops were true.
Mr Blair’s apology comes a day before the defence secretary is due to make a statement in the House of Commons on the current situation in Iraq. Geoff Hoon is expected to face tough questioning by MPs today.
The government admitted on Friday that it had been aware of allegations of abuse since February after the Red Cross had handed ministers a report on the claims. Mr Blair’s apology echoes a similar statement by US president George Bush earlier this week.
The prime minister said: “I hope people understand though that is not what the majority of soldiers are doing there.
“The activities of a few people who have brought shame to their situation should not detract from the work done by the vast majority.”
Human rights group Amnesty has revealed that it warned the government last May about alleged torture and killing of Iraqi prisoners in British custody.
