Fed: Guantanamo Bay prisoners "ruthless fanatics" says McCallum

AAP General News (Australia)
02-15-2007
Fed: Guantanamo Bay prisoners "ruthless fanatics" says McCallum

United States ambassador ROBERT MCCALLUM has described Guantanamo Bay detainees as
ruthless fanatics who would kill Australians without blinking an eye.

And he's asked Australians to consider whether they'd be demanding the release of DAVID
HICKS .. if the September 11 attacks had occurred on home soil.

In his first speech to the National Press Club since arriving in Australia last August
.. Mr MCCALLUM has squared up to local criticism about America's handling of the Adelaide
father of two .. who's been held in Guantanamo Bay without trial for five years.

Mr MCCALLUM says the US understands and shares Australia's dismay at the lengthy delay
in bringing HICKS to trial.

But he insists it's not the the fault of the US .. saying it's due to the important
appeals process to which prisoners are entitled to.

AAP RTV so/sb/cp/wz/nc

KEYWORD: US AUST (CANBERRA)

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