The United States on Monday held its ground in the recent controvery about alleged secret Central Investigative Agency prisons in Europe.
Condoleezza Rice, US Secretary of State, did not directly refer to the reported prisons but defended the practice of shifting terror suspects around for interrogation. She denied the use of torture 'under any circumstances' and challenged allies to come clean about their own practices. Rice is on a four-nation European tour.
In a statement issued before her departure, Rice said - "It is up to those governments and their citizens to decide if they wish to work with us to prevent terrorist attacks against their own country or other countries, and decide how much sensitive information they can make public."
She added that democratic governments the world over face 'hard choices' and they can meet these best if they 'work together'.
The European press has been dominated by stories about 'black site' interrogation centres and CIA flights for Islamic militants. Consequently, the European Union request clarification from Washington about these alleged practices, which would violate international laws.
"The United States has respected - and will continue to respect - the sovereignty of other countries," she said.
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