Etheridge Calls on Iraqi Government to Reject Amnesty for Insurgents

News Release
Congressman Bob Etheridge
North Carolina

June 21, 2006

Contact: Joanne Peters
Phone: (202) 225-4531

Etheridge Calls on Iraqi Government to Reject Amnesty for Insurgents

WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge (D-Lillington) today called on the Iraqi government to reject any proposal to offer amnesty to insurgents who have killed, kidnapped or wounded American soldiers and other American citizens. Etheridge is a cosponsor of a U.S. House of Representatives resolution that would express the sense of the Congress that the United States opposes efforts by the Iraqi government to grant amnesty to the insurgents.

"The resolution we are introducing today makes a very important statement: No amnesty for Iraqi insurgents with American blood on their hands," said Etheridge. "I am outraged that American soldiers were reportedly tortured, mutilated and murdered, and Congress cannot stand silent while the Iraqi government considers amnesty for the perpetrators of these heinous acts. I call on the House leadership to bring this resolution to the floor for a vote before the July Fourth recess."

Over the past week there have been reports that the Iraqi government may consider a proposal to grant amnesty to insurgents who have killed or hurt Americans as part of a national reconciliation plan. On Tuesday the U.S. Army announced that two U.S. soldiers in Iraq had been found brutally murdered.

The Senate passed a similar resolution on Tuesday. If passed, the resolution would require the President to notify the Iraqi government.

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