Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=03/26/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=CONGRESS/P-O-W (S-O)

NUMBER=2-301361

BYLINE=DAN ROBINSON

DATELINE=CAPITOL HILL

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Lawmakers on Capitol Hill say they will press for war crimes prosecution of any Iraqi found to be responsible for mistreating U-S soldiers held in Iraq. The House of Representatives plans to approve a resolution (Eds: Update intro as needed) condemning Iraq's mistreatment of U-S soldiers. V-O-A's Dan Robinson reports:

TEXT: Lawmakers attended a closed briefing to view video of dead U-S soldiers, as well as of American prisoners being interrogated by Iraqi authorities.

Accusing Iraq of blatant violations of the Geneva convention, the lawmakers say they will not rest until those responsible are brought to justice.

(Republican) Congressman Duncan Hunter is chairman of the House Armed Services Committee:

/// HUNTER ACT ///

Your identity will be ascertained, and when this war is over you will be held accountable for the acts of your units, with respect to American service personnel.

/// END ACT ///

Lawmakers also sharply criticized the Arab satellite television network Al-Jazeera, which first broadcast video of the dead soldiers, as well as of five Americans captured by the Iraqi military.

The New York Times reported Wednesday, quoting unnamed U-S officials, that some of the dead Americans may have been executed. (signed)

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