Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

DATE=5/4/2004

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=IRAQ WRAP (L)

NUMBER=2-315611

BYLINE=NICK SIMEONE

DATELINE=WASHINGTON

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Key lawmakers here in the United States are demanding to know why the U-S military failed to prevent the abuse of Iraqis detained by U-S soldiers at a prison near Baghdad, treatment that commanders now say amounted to criminal conduct. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld says he hopes the images that have shocked the world are an isolated case. Correspondent Nick Simeone reports the U-S Army now says as many as 20 investigations are underway into other reports of assaults and deaths at additional facilities run by the military.

TEXT: U-S officials from President Bush on down have expressed deep disgust at the photos of Iraqi prisoners forced to perform simulated sex acts at the hands of American soldiers. The latest to do so is Defense Secretary Rumsfeld who vows those responsible will be brought to justice.

/// RUMSFELD ACT ///

The actions of the soldiers in those photographs are totally unacceptable and un- American.

/// END ACT ///

At a Pentagon news conference dominated by the issue, he told reporters it's not clear whether the photos of what he calls "deeply disturbing acts" are an isolated incident.

/// RUMSFELD ACT ///

There certainly are allegations of abuse in various other locations.

/// END ACT ///

The U-S Army says it is looking into whether other detainees held by the U-S military in Iraq, as well as suspected terrorists picked up in Afghanistan, may have been assaulted or killed while in custody.

With six separate investigations underway since January, Republican Senator John McCain wonders whether all the facts have emerged - and blames the Defense Secretary for not informing lawmakers about the abuses sooner.

/// MCCAIN ACT ///

The Congress should have been notified of this situation a long time ago.

/// END ACT ///

So far, six American soldiers have been charged with abuse and at least six others have been given potentially career-ending reprimands in connection with the reported treatment of Iraqi prisoners.

Bush administration officials acknowledge the images of the abused Iraqis have caused incalculable damage to the image of the United States - especially in light of American claims to have gone to war in Iraq to end decades of abuse under Saddam Hussein. Secretary of State Colin Powell spoke out at the United Nations.

/// POWELL ACT ///

Yes, I'm deeply concerned at the horrible image this has sent around the world. But at the same time, I want to remind the world that it was a small number of troops who acted in an illegal and improper manner.

/// END ACT ///

In a television interview, Mr. Powell's Deputy Secretary of State, Richard Armitage, predicted it will take a long time for the United States to restore its reputation.

The images of the abused Iraqis have been front page news in much of the Arab press with human rights groups calling for investigations and the United Nations now beginning its own. (SIGNED)

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