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Bush aids Blair by halting trial of Britons in Guantanamo Bay | |
2003-07-19 | |
Legal proceedings against the two Britons facing a military trial in Guantanamo Bay were suspended last night to allow talks between British and US legal officials. In a minor concession to Tony Blair, who is facing a growing row at home on the issue, George Bush personally authorised the temporary halt to proceedings. His move paved the way for Lord Goldsmith, the attorney general, to fly to Washington next week for talks with US officials. If it’s minor, then we should be happy to help Tony. We sure don’t want any other Labour pol in charge. Downing Street refused to comment on the likely out come. But officials are hoping that the Americans will observe what the prime minister has called "proper canons of law". Mr Bush, who has branded the two Britons "bad men", agreed to the concession over dinner with Mr Blair in the White House on Thursday. Thus demonstrating anew the ’special relationship.’ The prime minister’s official spokesman, speaking at the end of Mr Blair’s overnight flight to Tokyo, said: "Legal proceedings against individuals have been suspended pending discussions next week between high-level legal teams in the United States. The UK side will be led by the attorney general." He added that proceedings against nine Britons at Guantanamo Bay would be suspended. "The president listened to the concerns raised by the prime minister." The concession will ease the pressure on Mr Blair, who is facing a cross-party campaign on behalf of Moazzam Begg and Feroz Abbasi, who are facing secret military trials which could lead to the death penalty. The other Britons being held at Guantanamo Bay are not facing the immediate prospect of a trial. Give us time. While Downing Street welcomed the move, it is unlikely to ease the pressure on the families of the men, who still fear the worst. It is understood that of the three options open to US officials they are likely to agree to only the mildest of concessions. The options are:
We could allow the Brits to vet the defense counsel, so long as a few key points are honored. That would be another minor concession we could safely do. | |
Posted by:Steve White |
#3 Cut a deal with the Afghans and send them there for a trial. That's where they were caught. That should make them very happy. |
Posted by: Michael 2003-7-19 9:26:20 PM |
#2 A couple of heavyweight items to consider here... Blair's ass (if it can be saved) and, of course, setting a bad precedent - which might have some legal consequences. Tough call. I still like a suggestion someone else proferred earlier - let Britain send an attorney or two. I would add some limits... They could consult with the appointed tribunal attorney, but not be present in the hearings. And I don't favor letting them have transcripts or recordings either - they'd end up in a BBC hatchet job special. |
Posted by: PD 2003-7-19 2:59:43 PM |
#1 The Brits that are making the most noise about the Brit Jihadis we netted in Afghanstan are just using the Jihadis as a dagger to stab Tony and the WOT policies of the govt. If we can make minor concessions to help Blair, so be it. We cannot let these scum go, or we are playing into the hands of the left, whatever side of the ocean the bitching comes from. |
Posted by: Alaska Paul 2003-7-19 12:14:27 PM |