IRELAND AGREES TO TAKE IN TWO GUANTANAMO INMATES

Ireland has agreed to take in two detainees from the US Guantanamo Bay prison camp to support US President Barack Obama in his plans to close the controversial site. Irish Justice Minister Dermot Ahern confirmed the decision after talks with US Ambassador Dan Rooney. “In making this decision I am conscious of the intention of the United States to close the centre at Guantanamo Bay, in part by transferring detainees no longer regarded as posing a threat to security but who cannot return to their own countries, to other countries willing to accept them.” He added that there was no definite timetable yet, but said the transfer of the two was expected within the next couple of months. US President Barack Obama had announced to close the controversial camp within one year after taking office in January 2009. The US had called on countries to accept some of those inmates who would be in danger of persecution and torture if they were sent back to their home countries.