Sen. Lindsey Graham, not known for holding back criticism of the White House, said today that he has “very strong feelings” about Guantanamo Bay detainees but will hold them in until President Obama returns from his trip to Asia.
Graham (R-SC) just issued this statement responding to the administration’s announcement to transfer Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and four other Gitmo detainees to be tried in New York.
“The decision on the proper venue to try Guantanamo detainees, particularly the 9/11 conspirators, is one of the most important decisions we will ever make in the War on Terror. I have had and continue to have very strong feelings on this subject. Those feelings are well-known as evidenced by our debate on the floor of the Senate last week.
“I have been asked by the White House to withhold comment about today’s Guantanamo decision until I can meet face-to-face with the President after he returns from Asia. As our Commander in Chief, I will honor his request. I look forward to discussing this issue further.”
Meanwhile, Obama’s 2008 rival and Graham close friend Sen. John McCain said he was disappointed by the decision.
McCain’s statement:
“I am extremely disappointed with the Obama Administration’s decision to try in U.S. civilian courts the Al-Qaeda terrorists who planned, supported, and conducted the September 11th attacks. These terrorists are not common criminals. They are war criminals, who committed acts of war against our citizens and those of dozens of other nations.
“Terrorists who have declared war against our country should be treated as war criminals and tried for their crimes through military tribunals. In a letter sent to Congress just last week, hundreds of families of victims of the September 11th attacks urged the Administration to try these terrorists in military tribunals, and I fully respect and agree with their position. I have worked tirelessly with my colleagues in Congress and with the Obama Administration to make our military tribunals system better able to dispense justice efficiently and fairly while protecting secure information.”
Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT) was similarly harsh.
TPMDC was on a call this afternoon with senior officials from the Justice and Defense departments. They didn’t commit to a date for closing Gitmo, but repeatedly said they were “making good progress” toward its shut down.
