Chuck Schumer: “I read, as many did, in the newspapers this morning that the Prime Minister of Iraq has proposed giving amnesty to those…”

“I read, as many did, in the newspapers this morning that the Prime Minister of Iraq has proposed giving amnesty to those incarcerated by the Iraqi Government who have killed or maimed Americans. It was stated that if Iraqis killed Iraqis they would not be given amnesty, but if Iraqis killed Americans, they would. That is an outrageous statement. For the Prime Minister of Iraq to offer a ``get out of jail free'' card to those who have killed American soldiers is an insult to the soldiers, their families, and every American. Just 2 days ago, the Prime Minister stood with President Bush, and President Bush said he looked in his eyes and saw that he was a good man. We are urging that President Bush call up the Prime Minister of Iraq immediately and get him to retract this pernicious, nasty statement which basically abdicates the great sacrifices that have been made by American soldiers for the people of Iraq. It is just mind-boggling to believe that the Iraqi Prime Minister would decide that it would be OK to give amnesty to those who hurt Americans. What kind of ally is this? Will he turn on us in 2 months or 6 months? He seems to be the new hope of the new government, and within 24 hours after President Bush leaves Iraqi soil, he defames the sacrifices of American soldiers and their families. President Bush, you should call your friend the Prime Minister and get him to retract this evil statement immediately.…”