US repatriates 4 Afghan detainees from Guantanamo

WASHINGTON, Dec 20 (KUNA) -- The US Department of Defense announced Saturday the repatriation of Shawali Khan, Khi Ali Gul, Abdul Ghani and Mohammed Zahir from the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay to the government of Afghanistan.
"As directed by the president's January 22, 2009, executive order, the interagency Guantanamo Review Task Force conducted a comprehensive review of this case," the department said in a press release. "As a result of that review, which examined a number of factors, including security issues, these men were unanimously approved for transfer by the six departments and agencies comprising the task force.
"In accordance with statutory requirements, the secretary of defense informed Congress of the United States' intent to transfer these individuals and of his determination that this transfer meets the statutory standard," according to the statement.
"The United States is grateful to the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan for its willingness to support ongoing U.S. efforts to close the Guantanamo Bay detention facility. "The United States coordinated with the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to ensure these transfers took place consistent with appropriate security and humane treatment measures.
"Today, 132 detainees remain at Guantanamo Bay," it added. (end) yt.gb