EU wants all nations to sign anti-torture convention

EU wants all nations to sign anti-torture convention

The EU also said it condemned any attempt by states or public officials to legalize or acquiesce in such treatment "under any circumstances, including on grounds of national security."

The communique did not mention the alleged existence of secret CIA prisons in Eastern Europe where terror suspects reportedly were held, but the issue  has been of great concern to many European governments, according to the AP.

Torture and other degrading treatment is prohibited, "and all states must ensure that they do not resort to these barbaric practices," the EU said, urging governments to sign and ratify the International Convention Against Torture.