The proposal by U.S. President Barack Obama to close the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba has been met with stiff opposition.
President Obama wants to close the facility before he leaves office, but Congressional leaders are indicating, they don't want to cooperate.
Our U.S. correspondent Priscilla Huff reports:
IN: " U.S. President Barack ....
OUT: SOC
DUR: 3:00
****
TRACK:
U.S. President Barack Obama believes now is the time to make progress on closing the detention center at Guantanamo Bay Cuba.
TAKE CLIP
TRACK
But the American president admits, there's a key fact missing from his plan.
Where do the prisoners who should face trial get transferred to in the United States?
TAKE CLIP
TRACK
Even before the plan was formally released by the White House and U.S. Department of Defense,
Republicans were expressing their opposition
including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.
TAKE CLIP
TRACK
The U.S. military knows that Congressional cooperation is key.
Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook
TAKE CLIP
TRACK
But Republican opposition is deep calling it incomplete and nothing but a press release.
The presidential candidates jumped in, with Marco Rubio vowing to keep Guantanamo open
and John Kasich telling the Fox News Channel,
he doesn't understand what the president wants to do.
TAKE CLIP
TRACK
However, U.S. President Barack Obama wants the closing of the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay to be part of his legacy.
TAKE CLIP
TRACK
U.S. officials say, plans are under way to release and transfer 35 of the 91 remaining detainees in the next several months.
They've also emphasized that closing the facility will save lots of money
but most importantly,
Guantanamo hurts America with its allies, it inspires jihadists, and it's time to bring this chapter of American history to a close.
Priscilla Huff, Washington
***ENDS***