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Gates: Gitmo closing in its 'final stages'
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12/03/09 12:24 PM ET
Defense Secretary Robert Gates on Thursday told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that the Obama administration is in the "final stages" of closing the U.S. military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
In a hearing to asses the U.S. strategy in Afghanistan, Gates said President Barack Obama remains "very much committed" to closing the prison by January and transferring its prisoners.
Gates said of the 215 detainees at the prison, 116 will likely be transferred to other countries. He also endorsed criticism that the prison has a negative image that has benefited al-Qaeda.
"It has a legacy. It bears a taint," Gates said. "It is a training tool for al-Queda."
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