MEPs strongly back investigation of CIA 'rendition' allegations

2.05.41pm GMT Thu 15th Dec 2005

MEPs have voted overwhelmingly to back the setting up of a temporary committee to investigate the allegations of CIA illegal 'extraordinary rendition' and European governments' complicity.

Baroness Sarah Ludford MEP, who has led for the European Liberals and Democrats (ALDE) group on this issue said:

"The European Parliament has shown it is serious and determined about getting at the truth regarding extraordinary rendition, and if necessary to launch the sanctions process against any EU Member State shown to have gravely breached human rights."

"Inquiries by EU bodies should add value to, rather than duplicate, the work of Dick Marty, investigator for the Council of Europe which is the pan-European human rights watchdog."

"I urge EU justice Commissioner Frattini to help MEPs by showing more pro-active vigour in quizzing EU governments as well as foreign policy chief Javier Solana and counter-terrorism coordinator Gijs de Vries. He must resist the temptation - perhaps influenced by his own status as a former foreign minister - to take governments' denials of wrongdoing at face value."

"This exercise is not about singling out any particular government for punishment. It is about the EU as a whole cleaning house so that we can restore our reputation and credibility as a champion of fundamental rights."