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January 11, 2009

Obama Says Closing Guantanamo in First 100 Days Unlikely
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=2181438:A6F02AD83191E160AB07D276D56E2FB63CF5CDEF8FC051DA&
 
Mr. Obama says closing prison is more difficult than many people realize

U.S. President-elect Barack Obama says he does not expect to fulfill his
campaign pledge to close the prison facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba,
within his first 100 days in office.'Camp Justice' sign near the
high-security courtroom in Guantanamo, Cuba, 08 Dec 2008In an interview
with U.S. television network ABC's This Weekbroadcast Sunday, Mr. Obama
said closing the prison is more difficult than many people realize. But
he stressed that his administration eventually will shut it down. He
said his legal team is working to create a system that adheres to the
rule of law, but will not result in releasing people who, in his words,
"are intent on blowing us up." Mr. Obama also discussed the conflict in
Gaza during the wide-ranging interview. He said his administration is
preparing to get involved in the Middle East peace process as soon as he
takes office January 20.But he declined to speak at length about the
conflict, repeating what he has said before - that the United States
cannot have two administrations sending signals in a volatile situation.
Mr. Obama said his administration will work to create a strategic
approach that ensures both Israelis and Palestinians can meet their
aspirations. On the subject of Iran, Mr. Obama promised a new approach
starting with engagement. He said he believes Iran will be one of his
administration's "biggest challenges," and he said the international
community likely will take its cues from the U.S. on how to approach
Iran. Mr. Obama also said he is not ruling out prosecution for crimes
allegedly committed by members of the Bush administration, saying "no
one is above the law."Some information for this report was provided by
AFP and AP.


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