PMO backtracks on detainees

[CHIMO]

Source: Globe and Mail Update

OTTAWA — The Harper government's position that it was not aware the military had suspended the transfer of prisoners to Afghan custody fully unravelled Friday as the Prime Minister's communications director retracted comments she had made to that effect, while the Opposition claimed it was briefed on the policy change two weeks ago.

In an e-mail to The Globe and Mail on Thursday, Prime Minister Stephen Harper's communications director, Sandra Buckler, said the military did not tell the government about the suspension.

Liberal Leader Stéphane Dion said Friday it is obvious the Prime Minister's Office was aware of the policy change because he and deputy leader Michael Ignatieff had been personally briefed on it in mid-January by Canadian officials during their visit to Afghanistan.

Mr. Dion said he was prohibited from making it public under a security undertaking the Liberals had agreed to before their visit.



Read more: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080125.wharperafghan0125/BNStory/Afghanistan/home

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Dion says he knew of change in detainee transfer policy
PMO retracts comments about knowledge of suspension
Last Updated: Friday, January 25, 2008 | 9:19 PM ET
CBC News

Liberal Leader Stéphane Dion accused the prime minister's spokeswoman of lying Friday, saying the government had to know the Canadian military had stopped transferring detainees to Afghan authorities because he was informed about the policy change.

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2008/01/25/detainees-pmo.html

And the US doesn't know what is happening!

He didn't say it was an untruth. It is a lie.