Govt furious over criticism of role in 'torture flights'

The Government is reported to be furious over EU criticism of its role in the CIA's illegal kidnapping and transportation of terrorism suspects.

The Government is reported to be furious over EU criticism of its role in the CIA's illegal kidnapping and transportation of terrorism suspects.

A draft report from the European Parliament committee investigating so-called rendition flights has accused the Irish authorities of turning a blind eye while 147 CIA-operated flights passed through Irish airports.

The leaked report says many of these flights were involved in the rendition scheme and were coming from or going to countries linked with the torture of suspected Islamic militants on behalf of the US.

Opposition politicians say the use of Irish airports by these flights makes Ireland an accomplice in activities that breach international law.

However, reports this morning say a spokesman for Foreign Affairs Minister Dermot Ahern was unapologetic last night, saying the minister accepted US assurances that Irish airports were not being used for rendition flights.

The spokesman also said the minister believed the leaking of the draft report was designed to embarrass him before he appears before the European Parliament committee tomorrow.

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