Watson criticizes US use of phosphorous bombs in Iraq

11.20.19am GMT Wed 16th Nov 2005

Two years and eight months after the beginning of the war in Iraq, the security situation has gravely deteriorated: civilian casualties now run at over 60 a day and according to official US figures, insurgent attacks have trebled over the past 18 months. During the European Parliament plenary debate this morning on the situation in Iraq, Graham WATSON, Liberal & Democrat group leader, highlighted three areas of concern that he believes need urgent attention.

First, responding to reports on Italian RAI TV last week that the US had used chemical incendiary devices during the attack on Fallujah Graham Watson sent a letter (11th November) to EU High Representative Javier Solana and British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw to condemn the use of phosphorous bombs against civilians (see attached copy of letter). "I demand, on behalf of the EU to set up an international inquiry into such use, under the auspices of the United Nations", he urged. "Photographs obtained by RAI from the Human Rights Study Centre in Fallujah show the bodies of dozens of Fallujah residents whose skin had been dissolved or carbonised by the phosphorous shells", he explained. The Pentagon has acknowledged this morning that such weapons were used (albeit not directed at civilians), arguing that the US was not a signatory of any international Treaty on the use of phosphorous.

Second, the ALDE leader expressed his "deep concern" over information revealed yesterday by US sources that over 35 000 Iraqi civilians are detained by the coalition since the war began. Only 5% have ever been brought to trial. Many have also been denied legal counsel, which is a clear breach of international law. "What kind of example does this set?" demanded Watson.

Finally, Graham Watson commented on the level of violence in Iraq and called for the preparation of a clear exit strategy: "The Iraqis now have their Constitution, their own security forces and will benefit in December from a new democratically- elected government. However, far from keeping the peace, the coalition forces may actually be fuelling the fires of insurgency",he said. "Evidence of serious human rights violations, including torture and the systematic use of arbitrary arrest, have badly damaged the coalition's standing and helped recruit many more to the insurgent's cause", he added.