U.S. focuses on Iraq in human rights report
SPECIAL TO WORLD TRIBUNE.COM
Wednesday, February 28, 2001
WASHINGTON Ñ The United States has focused on Iraq in the annual
State Department report on human rights.
The annual department report on human rights once again labels Iraq as
having one of the most repressive regimes in the world. The report cited
widespread
government killings and torture.
"Iraq remained under the complete domination of one of the world's most
repressive regimes, as security forces routinely executed, tortured, beat,
raped or otherwise intimidated and abused any perceived political
opponents," the report, released on Monday, said.
The State Department said Iraqis are executed for any association with
opposition groups. The regime of President Saddam Hussein also routinely
kills inmates to reduce the prison population.
Iraq's foe, Kuwait, was given generally good marks on human rights. But
the State Department said the emirate must improve its record in many areas.
This includes allowing women to vote and allowing the establishment of
politial parties.
Iran received a poor rating from the State Department. The report
cited executions and widespread use of torture.
In other areas of the Middle East, the report criticized what it termed
the "numerous serious human rights abuses" in Israel amid the mini-war with
the Palestinians. The Palestinian Authority was also criticized for its
increased violence.
Saudi Arabia was described as having a poor record on human rights. The
kingdom was accused of abusing prisoners and sanctioning torture.
Egypt and Syria received improved marks in the State Department human
rights report. Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak is scheduled to meet
President George Bush at the White House on April 2. Eight days later, Bush
will meet Jordan's King Abdullah.
In a related development, the London-based Amnesty International accused
the United States of selling equipment used for torture to such Middle East
states as Egypt, Israel and Saudi Arabia. Amnesty said this includes the
sale of electro-shock weapons and leg irons.
The organization said in a report that the State Department has granted
export licenses for $97 million in sales by 80 companies since 1997.
Wednesday, February 28, 2001
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