08 December 2005
Bush, Austria's Schuessel Discuss Human Rights, U.S.-EU Relations, December 8, 2005 (White House echoes Rice's comments in Europe against torture)
By Stephen Kaufman
Washington File White House Correspondent
Washington -- President Bush welcomed Austrian Chancellor Wolfgang Schuessel to the White House December 8 for a meeting covering a broad range of U.S. and European bilateral issues, including cooperation in the War on Terror and human rights.
White House press secretary Scott McClellan said Bush and the Austrian leader discussed the importance of human rights and the need for their promotion, especially in “those countries where they are denied and routinely violated.”
In that context, the press secretary said Bush raised the issue of allegations against the U.S. treatment of some prisoners captured or detained as part of the war on terrorism.
“[T]he president said, ‘I know there's been some focus on the detainee issue and I just want to reiterate our position, which is we don't torture [and] we are a country that abides by our laws and our values and our treaty obligations,’” McClellan said.
The press secretary referred to comments by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice who told European foreign ministers that the United States abides by what is spelled out under U.S. laws and treaty obligations, including Article 16 of the Convention Against Torture (CAT), which prohibits cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. (See related article.)
The policy applies “throughout the administration” McClellan said. “It applies to all administration personnel,” including those overseas.
Speaking after his meeting with the president, Schuessel said Bush re-confirmed the U.S. policy during his meeting.
“They respect American law, international law and the United [Nations] convention against torture,” he said.
He also praised Rice for addressing the issue during her current visit to Europe. “She took the heat. She stood there. She discussed [it] three times … only within one week,” he said.
McClellan said Bush and Schuessel also discussed Middle East peace efforts, energy and economic issues such as the upcoming Doha round of World Trade Organization talks to be held in Hong Kong on December 13-18. (See related article.)
Austria is assuming the presidency of the European Union in 2006, and Schuessel expressed his hope for “excellent cooperation” in those areas, including the economy.
“The two economic superpowers in the world, America and Europe, can do much more to improve growth and jobs and to cooperate not only in trade, the Doha round, but also in other areas … [such as] international monetary policy or financial policy,” he said.
McClellan said the United States enjoys good relations with Europe, adding “the president is very committed to working together on our common agenda of spreading freedom and extending prosperity.”
AUSTRIAN SETTLEMENT FOR WORLD WAR II SLAVE LABORERS
Schuessel announced that on December 5 Austria made its final settlement payment to former World War II slave and forced laborers. According to press reports, the settlement paid $350 million to approximately 132,000 former victims or their families during the past five years.
The fund also was used to create a medical and humanitarian program to help survivors pay for medical care and equipment.
“The slave laborer fund is now completed,” Schuessel said. He added that a separate agreement for a settlement fund for Jewish victims is imminent.
“Next week the Austrian government will decide it, will compute and then hopefully before Christmas the first payments can go out,” he said.
For additional information on U.S. policy, see Europe and Eurasia.
