Abdul Jalil Mustafa, Arab News

AMMAN, 13 May 2004 — Speaker of the Saudi Shoura Council Dr. Saleh ibn Humaid yesterday condemned the abuses committed against Iraqi prisoners by the US-led coalition troops as “hideous”, and warned the latest violation of human rights in Iraq could “exacerbate” the risk of terrorism.

“The suffering of the Iraqi people has been aggravated by the latest media revelation of the hideous scenes of human rights violations against Iraqi prisoners,” Dr. Ibn Humaid told prominent Parliamentarians from eight countries who met to consider ways to help Iraq emerge from its current plight.

Parliamentary speakers from Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt, Syria, Bahrain, Iran and Turkey, who started a two-day meeting in Amman, underscored the importance of the United Nations playing a “pivotal role” in efforts to restore stability in Iraq.

“The occupation authorities should not show any leniency toward such practices and must put those responsible on trial because they have committed grave violations against international agreements,” he said.

He warned that the continuation of violations and bloodshed against civilians in Iraq “could give rise to a fertile environment for terrorism to grow in the region instead of stifling it.”

“The cycle of violence, turmoil and lack of security in Iraq represents a source of concern for Saudi Arabia and other neighboring countries,” he said. “Averting bloody confrontations in Iraq will only be possible through a speedy transfer of sovereignty with all its aspects to the Iraqis,” he added.

Bahrain’s House of Representatives Speaker Khalifa Al-Thahrani expressed similar views and condemned “the ugly abuses committed against Iraqi prisoners.”

“We urge such humiliating practices are never repeated,” he said. The speaker insisted that the outcome of all investigations conducted by the occupation authorities be published along with any sentences given.

Speaker of Turkish Parliament Bulent Arinc labeled the unfolding of events of the mistreatment of prisoners as “distressful.” “I believe these incidents that have taken place at Iraqi prisons have not only hurt the pride and dignity of the Iraqis, but also the common values of humanity,” he said.