State Department talking points Amb. Moley to address questions and concerns of the UN Commissioner for Human Rights de Mello.
UNCLASSIFIED
RELEASED IN FULL
Talking Points for use by US Ambassador Molev with UN High
Commissioner for Human Rights de Mello on Detainee Releases
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You may recall that the Department ofDefense (DoD) approved the release last fall ofa number ofenemy combatants held at the Guantanamo Bay detention faciljty. Enemv combatants may be released if, among other things. they are assessed not to pose a security concern for the United States or its allies ifreleased in their countries of nationality.
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The DoD anticipates that there will be additional releases ofdetainees in the future. Secretary Rumsfeld has stated his intention not to hold anyone who does not require detention. To that end, DoD has procedures in place to assess, systematically and periodically, the Guantanamo detainee populatioll and detennine, alnong other things, ifcontinued detention is necessary for each individual.
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It is important to stress that this assessment process is deliberate, thorough, and time consuming. Fundamentally, we must ensure that the release ofan enemy combatant does not create a security risk for the United States and its aHies.
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Prior to any release, DoD generally notifies the receiving state and the IeRe in order to enable them to make necessary arrangements prior to the detainees' departure from Guantanamo.
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Beyond that, the usa cannot discuss specific transfers or releases before they take place so as to maintain the safety and privacy of those who have been detained and th.e security of its operations.
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF STATE REVIEW AUTHORITY: SHARON E AHMAD DATE/CASE ID: 22 JUN 2005 200303827
UNCLASSIFIED
008-003182