BAGHDAD, IRAQ - The recent stories of Coalition forces torturing Iraqi detainees are false. It is not Coalition policy to violate the human rights of Iraqi detainees, held in custody.

"U.S. Forces scrupulously adhere to the rule of law in the conduct of military operations. It is the obligation of every soldier to adhere to the law of war, which includes respect for human rights" said U.S. Army Col. Marc Warren, Coalition forces' top Judge Advocate.

A number of recent local newspapers alleging the mistreatment of detainees are not true. Stories such as "Proven Evidence of American Torture in Iraq (Military) (Political)" which appeared in the June 28 Ashiraa Newspaper appear to deliberately discredit the Coalition.

Coalition Provisional Authority and Coalition forces have laid the foundation for removing corruption by former regime influence and laws, which restricted basic human rights and freedoms.

In accordance with the Geneva Convention, the International Committee of the Red Cross has visited the detainment facilities in Iraq and have an open invitation to do so when they wish.