Monday, January 26, 2009

European Union Ready To Help Obama Shut Guantanamo

The media and the republicans have been moaning and groaning -- You can't shut Guantanamo, Bush already tried. It's too complex. Where are we going to put the Guantanamo detainees? Blah, blah, blah.
Karl Rove recently proclaimed that Obama couldn't possibly close Guantanamo in a year.
This morning I turn on my radio and the European Union is saying it will help Obama because it's a new beginning. This is what happens when you do the right thing and become a world citizen- people step up to help.
IHT BRUSSELS: Several European Union countries said on Monday the bloc should help the new U.S. President Barack Obama close the Guantanamo jail by taking in inmates, while others remained reluctant.

President Barack Obama last week ordered the closing of the prison at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba within a one-year deadline. The prison, known for aggressive interrogation methods, is widely seen as a stain on America's human rights record.

"We need to shake hands with the United States. It is a new fresh start, Guantanamo has been closed and we are very pleased," Finland's Alexander Stubb said on arrival at a meeting of EU foreign ministers.

Stubb said the EU should look at taking in those who have not been tried for anything but cannot go back home, and assess any requests for refugee status.

The issue will be discussed behind closed doors during lunch.

France has drafted a plan to take 60 of the 245 detainees.