European Parliament CIA committee - first meeting

1.47.21pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 26th Jan 2006

At its brief constitutive meeting this morning in the European Parliament, the temporary committee looking into the alleged use of European countries for illegal CIA activities approved the nominations for the posts of President, Vice-President and rapporteur. British Liberal Democrat MEP Baroness Sarah Ludford has been appointed 1st Vice President.

She commented on the committee's task in the months ahead:

"Dick Marty of the Council of Europe has provided a solid basis for our work, which however must focus specifically on whether EU obligations have been respected."

"Those governments which are scornful of his findings have a responsibility to clear their names of suspicion by providing directly elected MEPs with documents and first-hand testimony of what they know about their country's involvement. While our committee does not have quasi-judicial powers, we do have the duty to hold EU governments to account for any actions in breach of the Treaty. Conclusions can be drawn from non-cooperation."

"If we do our job seriously and efficiently, leaving no stone unturned, we will demonstrate our commitment to upholding the core values of human rights which lie at the heart of the Union."

Baroness Ludford proposes that the committee begin by inviting Dick Marty, the rapporteur of the Council of Europe investigation, EU High Representative Javier Solana, Commission Vice President Franco Frattini and anti-terrorism chief, Gijs de Vries as well as senior members of the US Administration.

The next committee meeting is likely to take place during the next parliamentary part-session in Strasbourg in February which will have to adopt the calendar of meetings and a work plan.