MEPs to call on EU states to resettle ex-Guantanamo detainees

3.05.00pm GMT Tue 3rd Feb 2009

MEPs across the political spectrum are set to unite in a call on EU Member States to resettle some former Guantanamo Bay detainees. There are 62 men cleared for release, but unable to return to their own countries because they are stateless or would be persecuted in their home countries.

Liberal Democrat European justice & human rights spokeswoman and co-sponsor of the resolution Sarah Ludford MEP said:

"The main responsibility for Guantanamo Bay closure and the resettlement of its detainees undoubtedly lies with the US government. But Europe needs to recognise the political reality that the US cannot manage this alone. We must accompany our goodwill towards President Obama and commitment to transatlantic relations with some practical assistance."

"There are several other reasons why EU countries must help. The first is simply humanitarian, to rescue these men from the hell-hole they have suffered for up to 7 years. The second is that Europe loses credibility if it fails to act consistently with calls to close Guantanamo. The third is that our own self-interest demands an end to the terrorist recruitment pretext this prison supplies. And lastly, Europe has moral responsibility because a dozen EU countries colluded in the whole scandalous saga of CIA rendition and torture."

"No one Member State would be asked to take more than a handful of men if many participated. I hope David Miliband will take a lead, despite some unhelpful recent comments. The claim that tens of released prisoners became involved in terrorism is largely baseless - the definition covers those who just gave media interviews criticising Guantanamo - but any security worries can be addressed with the help of the lawyers and NGOs like Reprieve."