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Democrat: Provision 'outsources' torture

WASHINGTON, Oct. 20 (UPI) -- A senior Democrat released a letter Wednesday signed by 60 House members criticizing the alleged "outsourcing of terror" in an intelligence reform bill.

Rep. Edward J. Markey, D-Mass., a senior member of the House Select Committee on Homeland Security, said the letter was sent to House and Senate conferees resolving differences in the Sept. 11 Commission Implementation Bills.

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Markey said the provision allows U.S. officials to deport aliens to countries that engage in torture if the secretary of state seeks "diplomatic assurances" torture will not be used.

"The torture provisions in the House Bill make a mockery of the Sept. 11 commission's recommendations," Markey said. "This proposed legislation was not recommended by the Sept. 11 commission, it is inconsistent with international treaties, and it is contrary to our nation's values."

The provisions of the House bill appear to violate the U.N. Convention Against Torture, he added.

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