Senate Governmental Affairs Committee Holds Hearing on Prosecuting Iraqi War Crimes

COLLINS:

Thank you very much. I want to begin by saluting Senator Specter for his leadership on this issue, which goes back for some time, and for his hard work in putting together this hearing.

I'm very pleased and honored to pass on the gavel to him today as we explore this extremely important issue. As chairman of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, Senator Specter has consistently fought for the needs of those who have fought for us.

Truly, no one has done more for our nation's veterans than this remarkable senator. As the regime of Saddam Hussein crumbles in Iraq, the subject of this hearing on how we can best hold those accountable for war crimes in that country takes on increasing significance.

The administration apparently has already begin to draw up plans to deal with both the historical offenses by the Iraqi regime against its own people and its neighbors, and crimes committed by the regime during, as well as crimes committed by the regime during the current conflict.

It is vital that Congress play a role in examining these issues, and this hearing is a vital starting point in that process. There can be no doubt that Saddam Hussein's regime is responsible for many war crimes.

The main question before this committee today is how best those crimes should be prosecuted. There are a number of options available, ranging from international tribunals, sanctioned by the United Nations, to the domestic courts of Iraq or perhaps even the United States.

Whatever form is used the result must have legitimacy, both for the Iraqi people and for the international community. The court must also work effectively, the trials need to take place as quickly as possible, the procedures should not endanger sensitive intelligence information, and, of course, most of all the results must ensure that justice is achieved.

I look forward to Senator Specter's continuing leadership as we explore this issue. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.