Rumsfeld on Investigation

Rumsfeld on investigation - 2004-05-14. What you read here is the official opinion of the U.S. government. Seven American soldiers have faced criminal charges related to the abuse of Iraqi detainees at Abu Ghraib prison in Baghdad between October and December 2003. Donald Rumsfeld, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, stated that it was shocking that a few individuals betrayed American values: "We are very sorry for what they did, and for those who were the targets of such actions. We are sorry for the tarnishing of the reputation we truly earned as a good force in the world. All of us, military, civilian, and Americans who supported us, will pay a price. We know who we are. We know what our standards are... and the horrific actions of a few will not change that." An American soldier who became aware of the misconduct of his unit members with the detainees informed the authorities. It was the U.S. Army that first reported the abuses, not the news media. The remnants of Saddam Hussein's regime, terrorists, and extremists will try to exploit what happened at Abu Ghraib. However, Mr. Rumsfeld stated: "Friends of freedom will understand that it is the goodness and value of our system that the President and senior officials accept responsibility for what happens and witness the punishment of those who commit human rights violations." "Those found guilty of abusing Iraqi detainees will be handed over to justice, and progress in Iraq will continue. On June 30, the coalition will transfer power to the Iraqis. A temporary government will operate based on a constitution that guarantees freedom for the people of Iraq." Rumsfeld, the Secretary of Defense, said: "This is the bigger picture. America will continue to participate in taking a larger step towards human freedom in lands where it has been scarce."