Eight years after he promised to shut down the prison during his 2008 campaign, President Obama is finally making his move.
"Today the Defense Department is submitting to Congress our plan for closing the facility at Guantanamo once and for all."
The plan comprises three key elements. First is the transfer of 35 detainees who are already approved to be handed to other countries. Secondly, President Obama vowed to accelerate the periodic reviews of the remaining detainees to determine whether their continued detention is necessary. And lastly, the administration is considering of relocating the suspected terrorists.
President Obama stressed that keeping the prison open is contrary to American values.
"Keeping this facility open is contrary to our values, it undermines our standing in the world. It Is viewed as a stain on our broad record of upholding the highest standards of rule of the law."
In addition, he pointed out that the closure of the prison will also save money. According to the President, 450 million dollars were spent last year alone to keep the facility running.
However, the plan immediately triggered harsh criticism. John McCain, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, called the plan flimsy and said his committee would hold hearings on the plan soon.
For CRI, this is Yu Yang.
