thedrifter
11-03-02, 11:30 AM
New Law Aids Iraqis Rescuing POWs
.c The Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Bush has signed into law a bill promising
refugee status to any Iraqi who delivers to the United States a living
American prisoner of war from the Persian Gulf War or any future conflict
with the Iraqi government.
The measure, easily approved by Congress earlier this month, expands a
law enacted in 2000 that gives asylum to citizens of Southeast Asian
nations, China, Russia or North Korea who bring back Americans held
prisoner from the Korean or Vietnam wars. The White House said Wednesday
that Bush had signed it.
Bush has vowed to disarm Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, with force
if necessary, and is seeking United Nations backing for his plans.
Congress has already given him authority to wage war.
The Navy recently declared that Gulf War pilot Michael Scott Speicher,
whose F/A-18 fighter plane was shot down the opening night of the 1991
war, was captured by Iraq, saying there's no evidence the officer is dead.
Iraq claimed that Speicher was killed, but never turned over his
remains. Several lawmakers have suggested there is new classified
information indicating Speicher is alive in Iraq.
The legislation also applies to nationals of other Middle East countries
who rescue an American POW, but does not extend to those deemed to be
criminals, terrorists or threats to U.S. security.
The White House said Bush signed six other bills and resolutions,
including one recognizing the contributions of former Rep. Patsy T. Mink,
D-Hawaii, who died of pneumonia Sept. 28,
Information on the bill, S. 1139, can be found at http://thomas.loc.gov/
Sempers,
Roger
.c The Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Bush has signed into law a bill promising
refugee status to any Iraqi who delivers to the United States a living
American prisoner of war from the Persian Gulf War or any future conflict
with the Iraqi government.
The measure, easily approved by Congress earlier this month, expands a
law enacted in 2000 that gives asylum to citizens of Southeast Asian
nations, China, Russia or North Korea who bring back Americans held
prisoner from the Korean or Vietnam wars. The White House said Wednesday
that Bush had signed it.
Bush has vowed to disarm Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, with force
if necessary, and is seeking United Nations backing for his plans.
Congress has already given him authority to wage war.
The Navy recently declared that Gulf War pilot Michael Scott Speicher,
whose F/A-18 fighter plane was shot down the opening night of the 1991
war, was captured by Iraq, saying there's no evidence the officer is dead.
Iraq claimed that Speicher was killed, but never turned over his
remains. Several lawmakers have suggested there is new classified
information indicating Speicher is alive in Iraq.
The legislation also applies to nationals of other Middle East countries
who rescue an American POW, but does not extend to those deemed to be
criminals, terrorists or threats to U.S. security.
The White House said Bush signed six other bills and resolutions,
including one recognizing the contributions of former Rep. Patsy T. Mink,
D-Hawaii, who died of pneumonia Sept. 28,
Information on the bill, S. 1139, can be found at http://thomas.loc.gov/
Sempers,
Roger