Rumsfeld takes responsibility for Iraq jail abuse

By: Mohamed Ali

WASHINGTON: US Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld on Friday assumed full responsibility for the abuse of Iraqi prisoners by US personnel and offered his “deepest apology” to the victims in the face of partisan demands that he step down or be fired.

“These events occurred on my watch. As Secretary of Defense, I am accountable for them. I take full responsibility,” Rumsfeld told the Senate Armed Services Committee at Capitol Hill in Washington.

Rumsfeld said he favors compensating the prisoners for their suffering. His mention of compensation for those victimized in what he called “a catastrophe” was a first.

“I'm seeking a way to provide appropriate compensation to those detainees who suffered such grievous and brutal abuse and cruelty at the hands of a few members of the United States armed forces,” he said.

Rumsfeld had scarcely uttered his opening apology when protesters interrupted him. “Fire Rumsfeld,” some yelled before they were hustled from the room.

Meanwhile, a spokesman said Friday US administrator Paul Bremer first heard of allegations that troops were mistreating Iraqi captives at Abu Ghraib prison in January.

In Geneva, the International Red Cross said it had warned US officials of abuse of prisoners in Iraq more than a year ago.

END