This morning, Karel De Gucht told Belgian radio and television network, VRT, that Belgium possibly may be prepared to accept released Guantanamo prisoners, as the notorious American prison is closed.
After talking to Hillary Clinton later in the day, De Gucht said that Belgium is ready to accept two or three detainees. “If the United States wants to take the responsibility to close Guantanamo, then I think that we also must accept our responsibilities,” said the minister.
Van Rompuy wants more information
Several parties reacted critically to his statements. “Embarrassing hyperbole,” said Flemish social democratic party (Sp.A.) house member, Renaat Landuyt.
Premier Herman Van Rompuy let it be known this evening that he wanted more concrete information: Who are we talking about and what are the conditions? “Once we have that data, the premier will discuss the issue,” announced his spokesman.
De Gucht doesn’t understand. “We are talking about people who are presently being held at Guantanamo, but who, as it turns out on the basis of their records, should be released,” says De Gucht. “They can not be repatriated to their own countries, because there they are likely to be tortured or perhaps even killed.”
The Minister stressed once again this evening that it concern only a couple of people. “It is also clear that this can take place only under a European framework and subject to our conditions and security requirements.”
Clinton is happy
Hillary Clinton wants to consider De Gucht’s proposal in every respect. “We are grateful for the help that Belgium and other countries want to offer, as the president considers the closure of Guantanamo,” said the secretary of state. “We will certainly discuss it.”
It is not the first time for De Gucht to say that when the U.S. poses the question, Belgium is ready to consider the acceptance of released prisoners. De Gucht had already made this statement, at the beginning of the year.
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