Blair has apologised for mistreatment of Iraqi prisoners.
British Prime Minster Tony Blair has apologised for the alleged abuse of Iraqis by British soldiers. In an interview on French television he said that the British army would punish anyone found guilty of mistreating detainees. This report from Carolyn Quinn:
The investigations continue into allegations that British soldiers were involved in abuse of prisoners in Iraq. Nothing's yet been proven but in Paris last night, the Prime Minister, when asked, issued this apology:
Tony Blair: 'We apologise deeply to anyone who's been mistreated by any of our soldiers. That is absolutely and totally unacceptable. Those who are responsible for this, if they've behaved in this appalling way, they will be punished according to the army discipline and rules'.
No. 10 insists that such an apology doesn't amount to an admission that the allegations are true. But pressure is building on the government to reveal when it first became aware of the claims, particularly after Amnesty International last night joined the International Committee of the Red Cross in saying it had warned of allegations of abuse up to a year ago.
Carolyn Quinn, BBC, London
tratamiento cruel y violento
el número 10 de Downing Street, la residencia en Londres del Primer Ministro británico.