From: Adam 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/6359875.stm

"A report which criticises 14 European governments for complicity in
CIA operations is expected to face a close vote in the European Parliament.

The report says countries including the UK, Germany, Italy and Spain,
turned a blind eye to CIA flights used to transport terror suspects. "

"The report defines extraordinary renditions as instances where
"an individual suspected of involvement in terrorism is illegally
abducted, arrested and/or transferred into the custody of US officials
and/or transported to another country for interrogation which, in the
majority of cases involves incommunicado detention and torture".

The report says the CIA operated "at least" 1,245 flights in
European airspace or stopped over at European airports. Some, but not all
it says, were used for extraordinary renditions. "


"One of the most outspoken MEPs on the committee, British Liberal
Democrat Baroness Sarah Ludford, says they also examined documents,
including flight logs, "and some which, frankly, came to us in brown
paper envelopes".

Baroness Ludford said: "We believe there has been either active
collusion by several EU governments, or turning a blind eye." "

""I am as dismayed as anyone at the declining reputation of the
United States. That is of no benefit to anyone in Europe."

In its conclusions, the report says EU countries which persistently
violated human rights should face diplomatic sanctions. That is unlikely to
happen, as it would require unanimous assent from all 27 EU member states.

But it is a reminder of how seriously MEPs have taken the allegations, and
the consequences those charges could bring.  "


Adam

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