EU: European Union foreign ministers have expressed abhorrence at the abuse by coalition forces of prisoners in Iraq and condemned the assassination of the chairman of the Iraqi Governing Council, Mr Izzedin Salim. In a strongly worded statement, the ministers said the behaviour of US soldiers in Abu Ghraib prison was against international law.
"The Council expressed its abhorrence at recent evidence of the mistreatment of prisoners in Iraqi prisons. The Council condemned any instances of abuse and degradation of prisoners in Iraq, which are contrary to international law, including the Geneva Conventions.
"The Council welcomed the commitment by the relevant governments to bring to justice any individuals responsible for such acts involving the abuse of Iraqi detainees, and their commitment to rectify any failure to adhere to international humanitarian law," the ministers said in a statement.
The ministers reaffirmed their commitment for a growing role for the United Nations in Iraq and expressed support for the work of the UN's special adviser, Mr Lakhdar Brahimi.
The ministers also condemned as "disproportionate and in conflict with international law" Israel's demolition of Palestinian houses in Gaza and urged the Israeli government to cease such demolitions immediately.
The French foreign minister, Mr Michel Barnier, said the Israeli action called into question the purpose of its withdrawal from Gaza.
"The withdrawal from Gaza in itself was an important element but to withdraw from Gaza having destroyed Gaza does not seem to me to be the right way," he said.
Earlier, a joint meeting of foreign and defence ministers agreed to create up to nine rapid reaction "battle groups" by 2010. The 1,500-strong units would be capable of deployment to trouble spots within days.
Describing the plan as "extremely significant and ambitious", the EU's foreign policy chief, Mr Javier Solana, said it was up to national governments to ensure that it was realised.
"For that, we need capabilities. We have adopted a voluntary approach: it is essential that you exercise your responsibility," he said.
The ministers also agreed to establish a European Defence Agency, aimed at helping EU countries to co-ordinate their defence spending to avoid waste and unnecessary duplication.