US President Barack Obama on Tuesday presented a long-awaited plan to close the controversial military detention center at Guantanamo, noting that prison contrary to national security and the country's values.
"It is closing a chapter in our history (...) and to take the lessons learned from the September 11 and should guide our country in the future," Obama said at the White House.
"When it is clear that something does not work and enhances our security, we must change course," said Obama, calling the Congress, controlled by the Republican opposition, to discuss his proposal with "justice, even in an election year."
"For many years it has been clear that the Guantanamo Bay detention camp does not improve our national security. Undermines it, "he said.
The White House identified 13 potential facilities in the United States where they could move some of the -the prisoners considered too dangerous for liberar- currently held at Guantanamo.
Some 91 suspected terrorists detained in prison in a US military base in southeastern Cuba, which at its peak housed 700 inmates and has become synonymous with torture and indefinite detention.
Under the plan, about 35 prisoners were already authorized to be sent to other countries in the coming months.
Another group, between 30 and 60, would be transferred to facilities on US soil, the custody of the Department of Defense.
Obama acknowledged the fears of some Americans, but assured them that the plan will "ensure our security, to maintain our values in the world and save a lot of money in the process."
The plan was presented Tuesday to Congress, where the Republican party controls both houses has banned shipments of these detainees to the United States citing security issues.
The White House appointed facilities but presented the estimated costs of the plan, a last attempt to honor a former Obama campaign pledge before he leaves office in less than a year.
80 million dollars the US government would save annually on the costs of keeping open the prison at Guantanamo, according to the initiative.
"If as a country we do not take it now, when will we ?. Leave to persist for another 15, 20 or 30 years? ", The president of the military prison opened in 2002 by his predecessor George W. Bush after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 he asked.
AFP