Ahern raises issue of prisoner treatment with Bush

The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern today raised the issue of the treatment of prisoners in Iraq with US President George W Bush at an hour-long meeting.

After bilateral talks with Mr Bush this morning, Mr Ahern said in a statement: "President Bush is very much aware of the abhorrence that the people of Ireland and of Europe felt at the abuse of Iraqi prisoners by coalition forces."

Mr Ahern said he had also reiterated the issue of the treatment of prisoners at Guantanamo Bay with the US president. He said: "This is an area in which our views are well known to the US government."

Mr Ahern said he welcomed President Bush's personal commitment to deal with this issue in a "comprehensive manner".

Questioned on the issue of prisoner treatment at press conference later, Mr Ahern said: "These things happen, it is unfortunate, but they do." He said Mr Bush.had answered his questions on the subject to Mr Ahern's satisfation. He added: " It is a great thing we have such a good relationship that we can clear eight declarations and still raise these issues."

At the press conference Mr Bush said: "I was sick with what happened in those prisons, as were the American people." He admitted it had harmed the image of America internationally. assured both President Romano Prodi and the Taoiseach Mr Ahern that he would deal with the issues in a "transparent way".

Another issue discussed between the two leaders this morning was that of undocumented Irish immigrants in the US. Mr Ahern said Mr Bush's recent initiative to deal with the issue of foreign nationals in the US was to be welcomed and this would go some way to address the situations of Irish people in the US.

The talks between the two leaders also focused on international issues including joint EU-US declarations on the situation in Sudan and on the fight against HIV/Aids.

"These are important Irish foreign policy priorities and I am particularly pleased that these national priorities have been translated into concrete EU-US action," Mr Ahern said. "We had a very good discussion on the way ahead in the Middle East Peace Process. The re-invigoration of the Quartet and the plans for an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza provide a window of opportunity to move ahead with the implementation of the Road Map," he added.

One day after talks between the British and Irish governments on the situation in Northern Ireland in London, Mr Ahern said the US had played an "irreplaceable role" in the peace process. He said he had briefed the president on recent developments in the peace process, including yesterday's talks.

Mr Bush said the US government would do whatever necessary to advance the peace process. "We stand ready to help - I wish them all the best," he said. "When this conflict is resolved, it will be an example for others - that long-simmering disputes can be put behind them and free societies and peaceful societies can emerge for the interest of the peoples which have been involved in those disputes."

Earlier, Mr Bush met President Mary McAleese, who also raised concerns about the treatment of prisoners with him.