MEPs seek information about secret CIA prisons

A group of MEPs today sought to shed light on allegations about secret CIA prisons and flights for terror suspects in Europe, meeting with US officials, politicians and human rights groups.

The deputy chairman of the 13-member group, German Cem Ozdemir, said the purpose of the Washington trip is not to question activities of the Central Intelligence Agency, but to determine the involvement of European countries.

“We want to find out more about accusations that it is very likely secret prisons existed in Poland and Romania, but so far the smoking gun is not there,” he said at the start of a meeting with two American lawyers specialising in international law and human rights.

Poland is a member of the 25-nation EU, and Romania is seeking to join.

Another member of the delegation, British Green MEP Jean Lambert, said the purpose of the trip “is basically fact-finding.”

During their four-day stay, the delegation is scheduled to meet with Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs Daniel Fried, former CIA director James Woolsey and three members of Congress.

They also will meet with John Bellinger, legal adviser to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.