http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=7252429 Retired Admirals and Generals, Military Leaders and Former DOD Officials Urge Congress to Preserve the Geneva Conventions
9/15/2006 1:25:00 PM
To: National Desk
Contact: Elisa Massimino, massiminoe@humanrightsfirst.org or 202-547-5692 ext.3200, or John Hutson 603-228-1541 or jhutson@piercelaw.edu, both for Human Rights First
WASHINGTON, Sept. 15 /U.S. Newswire/ -- In a letter to Members of the Senate Armed Services Committee released publicly today, 29 retired military leaders urged Congress to reject a provision of the Military Commissions Act of 2006 that would redefine Common Article 3 of the Geneva Conventions so as to downgrade the Conventions' standards for humane treatment.
In a separate letter, addressed to Senator John McCain, former U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff John Vessey, said: "If such legislation is being considered, I fear that it may weaken America in two respects. First, it would undermine the moral basis which has generally guided our conduct in war throughout our history. Second, it could give opponents a legal argument for the mistreatment of Americans being held prisoner in times of war." Read the full letter.
The letter signed by 29 former military leaders also urged Congress to make the safety and protection of U.S. troops, should they become prisoners, the highest priority.
"This is not just a theoretical concern," the letter signed by General John Shalikashvili, General Joseph Hoar and others, said. "We have people deployed right now in theaters where Common Article 3 is the only source of legal protection should they be captured. If we allow that standard to be eroded, we put their safety at greater risk."
FULL story at link above.