Resolution on the return and resettlement of the Guantánamo detention facility inmates

Ministers welcomed the decision by US President Barack Obama to close the Guantanamo detention centre within a year. Even if the primary responsibility for closing Guantanamo rests with the United States, Ministers discussed whether there were ways in which they could assist the United States, given the common interests in counter terrorism, human rights and the rule of law.

Ministers acknowledged that this raised a number of political, legal and security issues which need further study and consultation. The question of whether member states might accept former detainees is a national decision, but ministers agreed on the desirability of a common political response and so decided to explore the possibility of coordinated European action. The Justice and home affairs ministers will have to be involved in the matter.

Ministers will return to this subject when some of the elements have been further clarified.