Cheney says 'fundamental breakdown' caused Iraq prison abuse

0 Comments | AFP, May, 2004

WASHINGTON (AFP) — Vice President Dick Cheney said that a "fundamental breakdown" had led to the Iraqi prison abuse by US troops but defended the military response to the scandal.

"There was some kind of fundamental breakdown that needs to be thoroughly investigated and steps taken to make sure it never happens again," Cheney said in his first public comments on the images that caused an international controversy.

Cheney and President George W. Bush on Monday saw some of the images of abuse that have not yet been made public.

"It's very strong. Clearly, there were people there doing outrageous things," the vice president told Fox News radio's Tony Snow programme.

"I think it's also important to point out, though, that these abuses were uncovered by...