MEP slams EU governments for dithering over Guantanamo

3.27.00pm GMT Fri 27th Feb 2009

London Liberal Democrat MEP Sarah Ludford, the party's European justice & human rights spokeswoman, has slammed EU ministers for failing to decide on resettlement of Guantanamo inmates whom US authorities have cleared for release, which would help President Obama close the camp.

Euro-MPs recently demanded that EU governments help close Guantanamo by offering residence to some of the around 60 non-dangerous men released but unable to go to their home countries because of fears of torture or persecution. But meeting in Brussels yesterday, EU interior ministers including UK Home Secretary Jacqui Smith, agreed only 'to obtain more information and study all aspects of the issue' and to have 'further discussion with the United States'.

Sarah Ludford, who has been for 7 years a leading force in the European Parliament attempt to end the abuses of Guantanamo and extraordinary rendition, said:

"They are pathetic in perpetually postponing a decision. Just a few weeks ago there was general euphoria about President Obama's inauguration, and EU leaders are vying to get invited to meet him. But they are apparently all talk and no action, and will not lift a finger to help him. If each country made an effort, it would only be a handful each. The UK may well argue that it is doing enough, and others like France, Germany and Italy must pull their weight."

"Of course, the US must itself resettle some of these ex-detainees. But for a variety of reasons, including bad vibes, the US is not an appropriate home for many of them. Those who were resident at some point in Europe would be relatively easy to resettle there, and any residual security concerns could be met through reporting restrictions, tagging or surveillance."

"It is Europe's own interests to close this potent symbol of 'War on Terror' abuses, which acts as a pretext for those wanting to recruit impressionable people into potential terrorism. But in addition, we know that many European countries, not only although prominently Britain, did collude with torture flights so there is a moral responsibility to discharge in returning to the rule of law."