MEP Washington visit catalyst for 'legal black hole' debate

3.53.02pm GMT Thu 11th May 2006

Sarah meeting with John Bellinger, legal adviser to Condoleezza Rice at the US State Department.

Speaking from Washington on a visit with the European Parliament's 'CIA committee', vice-chair Baroness Sarah Ludford MEP of the European Liberal Democrat (ALDE) group said:

"By spotlighting the issue of extraordinary rendition, we are a catalyst for American democratic debate and scrutiny, and the search for answers from the US administration about whether the illegality of this programme makes it counter-productive."

"While it is principally the job of Congress to hold the US government to account, it matters vitally to Europeans that America's capacity to confront terrorism should not be undermined by legal and moral black holes."

"The political atmosphere in Washington makes those advocating liberty vulnerable to charges of being 'soft on terrorism'. But there are plenty of intelligent people here who need no reminding that true security can only be delivered through respect for human rights."