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US - Guantanamo

Guatanamo closure could be delayed

Article published on the 2009-07-21 Latest update 2009-07-22 09:40 TU

Guantanomo bay prisonPhoto: AFP

Guantanomo bay prison
Photo: AFP

A report from a key task force, set up by US President Barack Obama, on the detention of Guantanamo prisoners has been delayed by six months. This is likely to delay the closure of the Guatanamo Bay prison, which Obama has promised to shut by the end of January 2010.

Another detainee task force created by Obama to examine interrogation policy in Guantanamo will also receive a two-month extension. Obama's administration has defended the delays pointing out the complexity of the issues and the need to "get this right".

Congress has given the administration until the end of September to provide a detailed plan explaining how the prison will be closed and how prisoners will be transfered.

Currently 240 detainees remain in the prison, most of whom have not been convicted. Their transfer onto US territory for judgement has caused fury among Members of Congress including Democrats.

Amnesty International's Rob Fear is concerned about the delays but hopes Guatanamo will close as scheduled,

"Domestic politics is playing a blocking role in bringing progress to the situation,"  he told RFI. "The legal complexity is causing problems."

Interview: Rob Fear, Amnesty International

21/07/2009 by Chris Thompson

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