Danish PM backs recall of army commander from Iraq over abuse charges

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2004

COPENHAGEN (AFP) — Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen gave full backing to his defence minister for recalling the commander of a contingent in Iraq following allegations that Danish soldiers abused Iraqi prisoners.

Defence Minister Soeren Gade had taken the decision on his own "but he has my entire support and backing", Rasmussen told journalists.

"No one has as yet been convicted but there is presumptive evidence that we must take very very seriously," he added.

On Tuesday Gade ordered the immediate recall of Henrik Flach, commanding officer of the Danish contingent in Iraq, together with three senior officers, saying he no longer had confidence in them because they had failed to prevent the mistreatment of prisoners.

Legal investigators...