U.S. focuses on Iraq in human rights report

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.