EU welcomes Obama decision to suspend Guantanamo trials

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21 January 2009

(BRUSSELS) - EU Justice Commissioner Jacques Barrot on Wednesday hailed the move by new US President Barack Obama to suspend military trials at the Guantanamo Bay camp.

"I am delighted that one of the first acts of President Obama has been to turn the page on this sad episode of Guantanamo prison," Barrot said in a statement.

"For me it is a very strong symbol. In a lawful state everyone must be afforded the right of defense," he added.

Barrot welcomed that "light can now be very rapidly shed on the situation of the prisoners in Guantanamo," who "must be allowed fair legal procedures to get to the truth of their actions".

He stressed that the fight against terrorism, "must be a main priority for the United States and Europe ... but always with total respect for human rights".

read: http://www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/1232543831.28

[Le Taz Hot]

1. This signals to the rest of the world,

particularly the Middle East, that there has been a fundamental change in foreign policy. Excellent, President Obama! :applause:

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2. There is an anticipation of change here at home and abroad

. . . which should be met with boldness

This is a good sign.