Gates: Gitmo closure won’t force releases

[unhappycamper]

Gates: Gitmo closure won’t force releases
The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Jan 27, 2009 17:29:22 EST

WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary Robert Gates is downplaying suggestions that the closure of Guantanamo Bay prison would risk the release of terrorists. Gates says the vast majority of detainees can easily be tried by the U.S. or sent to other countries for conviction.

Gates testified Tuesday before the House Armed Services Committee. His remarks on the prison are a blow to Republicans who say Obama’s decision to close Guantanamo will undermine the war on terror. Gates, a Republican himself, is widely respected in Congress.

Gates also said he wholeheartedly endorses a deadline set by President Barack Obama to close Guantanamo Bay prison within a year. If the U.S. government does not set a firm deadline, he says it would never get done.


Article at: http://armytimes.com/news/2009/01/ap_gates_guantanamo_012709w/%2e