Minister for Foreign Affairs welcomes President Obama’s signature of Executive Order to close Guantanamo

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Minister for Foreign Affairs welcomes President Obama’s signature of Executive Order to close Guantanamo

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Micheál Martin, T.D., today welcomed the signature by President Obama of four Executive Orders regarding Guantanamo Detention Centre in Cuba and a range of related human rights issues.

Ireland has consistently called for the closure of Guantanamo and the bringing to trial or release of detainees held there. President Obama today signed an Executive Order to close Guantanamo within one year, and to appropriately deal with the detainees, either by prosecuting them, returning them to their home countries, releasing them or transferring them to a third country.

The Minister said:

"I warmly commend President Obama for his determination to close Guantanamo in the shortest possible time. It is highly significant that he has moved on this issue so quickly.

As I have previously stated, Ireland is ready in this new context to examine how we may be supportive of the United States Government as it proceeds towards the closure of this detention centre. I will be discussing with my EU colleagues on Monday how the European Union might approach the issue.

I also warmly welcome the President’s order in relation to interrogation methods, which will have the effect of clearly prohibiting the use of torture or any enhanced interrogation techniques tantamount to torture.

It is also most important that the CIA is to close all existing detention facilities and is prohibited from operating detention facilities in the future. 

Finally, in respect of extraordinary rendition, which Ireland has consistently opposed, I welcome the commitment to review US policy for transferring individuals to third countries to be sure that it complies with all obligations and is sufficient to ensure that individuals do not face torture and cruel treatment if transferred."

The Minister concluded:

"I believe that this highly significant set of decisions by President Obama represents an historic new beginning in joint EU-US efforts to uphold and promote human rights, and will be welcomed by all friends of the United States."

Ends+++

22 January 2009

Press Office