US Military Pact: Recalcitrant Soldiers Will Be Punished -US Diplomat Quiroz

The Public Affairs Officer of the US Embassy in Ghana Roberto Quiroz has stated that US Soldiers who will commit crimes in Ghana following the military deal will be punished according to the laws of Ghana and US.

He doubted if the US soldiers can abuse the sovereignty of Ghana by going scot-free for atrocities committed.

A section of Ghanaians have expressed fears that the US soldiers will take advantage of the defence cooperation by assaulting Ghanaian citizens and committing unthinkable crimes.

But speaking with Lantam Papanko on Ultimate Breakfast Show, Mr Roberto Quiroz allayed fears that these US soldiers will run over Ghanaian citizens without being held accountable.

He said diplomatic immunity given to US soldiers in Ghana does not give them (US troops) the right to disrespect the host nation.

‘I’m not going to speculate on that, the US has status of forces for any nation… You are held accountable for your crimes, they are prosecuted when they go back to US… I’m a US diplomat, and I have immunity in Ghana, right?,  if I run over with somebody, do you think that I’m not going to be held accountable for that?. Do you think the diplomatic immunity gives you the right to commit crimes and violate Ghanaian laws and disrespect the host nation, absolutely not, people are expected and held accountable for observing and respecting the laws of a sovereign nation that is graciously opens the doors to them, be it you are a US diplomat, US military member or peace corps member, that is called basic respect,’ he said.

The agreement states that ‘Ghana hereby provides unimpeded access to and use of agreed facilities and areas to United State forces, United States contractors, and others as mutually agreed. Such agreed facilities and area: or portions thereof, provided by Ghana shall be designated as either for exclusive use by Unite States forces or to be jointly used by United States forces and Ghana. Ghana shall also provide access to and use of a runway that meets the requirements of United States forces’.

 

By: Ghana/Ultimatefmonline.com/106.9FM

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