Published Date:
19 December 2008
By David Morgan
THE Pentagon is working on a proposal to shut the US military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, that would be available to Barack Obama, the president-elect once he takes office.
Robert Gates, the US defence secretary, asked his staff to come up with a plan to address the thorny issue of how to close the prison, which Mr Obama has pledged to axe after he officially enters the White House on 20 January.
Guantanamo holds about 250 detainees, including Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, who is accused of masterminding the 11 September attacks. It has come to symbolise aggressive detention practices that opened the United States up to allegations of torture. "(Mr Gates] has asked his team for a proposal on how to close it and move the detainees from that facility, while ensuring that we protect the American people," said Geoff Morrell, the Pentagon press secretary.
He continued: "If this is one of the president-elect's first orders of business, the secretary wants to be prepared to help him as soon as possible."
Like Mr Obama, Mr Gates has said Guantanamo should be closed. Appointed by the Bush administration, Mr Gates has agreed to stay on under Mr Obama. He has said closing the prison will require legislation by the US Congress.
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Last Updated:
18 December 2008 11:38 PM
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Source:
The Scotsman
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Location:
Edinburgh
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Related Topics:
Guantánamo Bay
