Obama vows to bring Guantanamo population under 100

US President Barack Obama on Thursday vowed to press ahead with vexed efforts to close the controversial military prison at Guantanamo Bay, saying the number of inmates may soon be lower than 100.

"I expect that by early next year we may even have fewer than a hundred people at Guantanamo," Obama said during a visit to Manila.

Obama has repeatedly tried to close the facility -- which currently houses 107 inmates -- but has been thwarted by opposition in Congress.

The White House has promised to produce a fresh plan soon to transfer the remaining prisoners to foreign countries, or the United States.

Created to hold suspects after the September 11, 2001 attacks, Guantanamo became notorious for harsh interrogation techniques.

As a candidate and as US president, Obama has argued that indefinite detention, "enhanced interrogation" and images of caged men in orange jump suits violated America's ethos and handed militants a potent recruiting tool.

But ensconced in the Oval Office, he quickly became ensnared in a legal and political thicket.

Obama rejected suggestions he had abandoned efforts to push forward a plan, saying the administration would "work diligently" to complete it.

The White House has hinted that it may resort to controversial executive orders if Congress refuses to act.

Such a move would likely lead to an all-out political conflict with Congress that could paralyse any legislative efforts during Obama's remaining year in office.
Republicans have vowed to block the confirmation of administration appointees and take other punitive measures if Obama moves forward.

"We are going to go through, meticulously, with Congress, what our options are, why we think this should be closed," Obama said. "I guarantee you there will be strong resistance."
Source: AFP