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French initiative for Gitmo transfers
France has reportedly put forth a plan for EU member states to accept 60 Guantanamo detainees as the detention center moves toward closure. The plan, which was sent to European capitals ahead of a Monday summit of EU foreign ministers, is in line with US President Barack Obama's promise to shut down Guantanamo Bay prison, Der Spiegel reported Saturday. The proposal calls on European governments to take in up to 60 prisoners, who are held in the detention center without charges but could face torture if sent back to their home countries. The office of French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner, however, did not immediately comment on the report. The detention center, most-infamous for disregarding human rights and practicing 'enhanced interrogation methods' - a euphemism for torture used by the Bush administration, - is currently holding about 250 prisoners. Some European governments have already expressed readiness to take in Gitmo inmates while some fiercely opposed the move. Britain, France and Germany have already hinted that they would accept detainees. The UK has already accepted nine detainees - five British nationals and four former residents. Guantanamo has been used by the US military since 2002, after George W. Bush launched his 'war on terror' following the 9/11 terror attack on US soil. It has held more than 750 captives from around the world with only one trial having been conducted. . The Facility has been described as a "sad chapter in American history," by Obama. Posted by: Fred 2009-01-25 |
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