A Madrid court has issued an international arrest warrant for three US soldiers. Two years ago they contributed to the deaths of two Iraq-based journalists, the Spaniard Jose Couso and the Ukrainian Taras Prociuk, when a US tank fired at Baghdad’s Palestine Hotel, where more than 100 journalists were staying.
The judge claims that Sergeant Thomas Gibson, Captain Philip Wolford, and Lieutenant-Colonel Philip D. Camp committed homicide and “a crime against the international community.” The accused face 10 to 20 years’ imprisonment if they are extradited to Spain. The judge intends to ask Interpol for assistance. It is unlikely that the United States will ever change its stand. Washington has justified the conduct of its servicemen, noting in response to Spain and Ukraine’s inquiries that the American soldiers had fired in self-defense, because they had ample grounds to believe that there was a sniper in the hotel. Last Thursday the Americans reiterated this stand. “While this was certainly a tragic incident and we regret the loss of life, the report and investigation indicated that the soldiers acted in accordance with the rules of engagement during this time of war,” an unnamed US official told Reuters. Spain’s Minister of Justice, Juan Aguilar, does not think that the Spanish court ruling will adversely affect relations with the US. “This ruling was handed down by an independent court and, therefore, will have no political consequences,” he pointed out.
What about the case of the Ukrainian reporter, Taras Prociuk? The dead journalist’s family is insisting that the US pay compensation. The Ukrainian authorities were supposed to convey this request to the US last spring. The Ukrainian foreign ministry failed to reply to The Day’s request for comment on Oct. 20.
BLITZ INTERVIEW
“A firm stand would only increase respect for us”
Serhiy TARAN, director, Institute of Mass Information:
“What effect will the Spanish court ruling have?”
“First of all, it will have a political effect. Spain has just proved that it is an independent and principled state that actively pursues its foreign policy interests. The main thing is that it is very resolutely defending the interests of its citizens. This will have a far-reaching political effect in the world. Ukraine does not always pursue an active foreign policy; neither does it always defend the interests of its citizens the way it should. Even if the soldiers are not arrested, this will be a very significant fact for the US army and the armies of other countries. Journalists are untouchable during hostilities.”
“What do you know about the Ukrainian government’s steps in the case of Taras Prociuk? Earlier this year there were discussions about requesting the US government to pay compensation to his family.”
“We know nothing about this. Naturally, this question was raised. Unfortunately, the US government refuses to pay compensation. They are afraid that this case will set a precedent. This will in turn trigger a chain reaction because a lot of people have suffered at the hands of the US army and will therefore be able to claim compensation. The US is trying to keep a low profile on this.”
“What can the Ukrainian government do to demonstrate a firm stand in this matter?”
“The same thing that the Spanish government is doing. Although Spain is a NATO member and a former member of the US-led anti-Saddam coalition, it very firmly defends its citizens’ interests. The Ukrainian government should do the same. Wherever Ukrainian citizens suffer, including journalists, who carry out their very important professional duties in a dangerous situation, the Ukrainian authorities must always defend their interests, no matter what the cost. This will only increase our country’s prestige in the world as well as respect from strong states, including the United States. It is wrong to think that this would damage US-Ukraine relations. It would only strengthen them.”
