We're coming before you in Geneva to convince you that we do not torture detainees

and i've got a bridge in brooklyn i'd like to sell you...

obviously, there's been some major pressure on bushco for this to happen, particularly given that bushco routinely sets its own goddam course regardless...

[T]he delegation's appearance was perhaps most significant for its size — it included more than two dozen officials — and its attitude of respect after years in which Bush administration officials have argued that international human rights laws should not constrain the conduct of United States forces.

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It was the first time since Sept. 11, 2001, that a United States delegation had answered questions from an international body about abuses by soldiers and intelligence officers.

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The delegation's report to the United Nations panel, meeting in Geneva, did not break new ground.

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Under the Convention Against Torture, a 1987 treaty that is a centerpiece of international human rights law, the United States was supposed to have reported to the United Nations panel on its compliance by 1999.

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Fernando Mariño Menendez of Spain, cited data from human rights groups saying that of 600 American service members or intelligence officers accused of having been involved in the torture or murder of detainees, only 10 have received prison terms of a year or more.

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"The very fact that you are asking for diplomatic assurances means you are in doubt," said Andreas Mavrommatis, chairman of the committee.

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Terrorist suspects could pose a threat to security if allowed to meet with representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross, as stipulated by the Geneva Conventions, [the State Department's legal adviser, John B. Bellinger III, who led the delegation] said.

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Mr. Bellinger said he was not authorized to talk about any intelligence activities that the committee questioned in its report.

convinced yet...?

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