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U.N. chief calls for closure of Guantanamo camp

UNITED NATIONS: United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, speaking on the fifth anniversary of the opening of the U.S. detention camp in Cuba's Guantanamo Bay, on Friday called for the closure of the facility.

Mr. Ban, who is to meet U.S. President George W. Bush in Washington next week, said: ``like my predecessor [Kofi Annan], I believe the prison should be closed.''

His comments came as the London-based human rights group Amnesty International appealed to world powers to ``actively press the U.S. to close Guantanamo and restore respect for international law.''

``The U.S. Government must end this travesty of justice. Equally it is not enough for world leaders to express concern about Guantanamo and carry on business as usual with the U.S.,'' said Irene Kahn, who heads the group. Amnesty's call came five years to the day since the first of more than 750 security suspects from 45 countries were transferred to the U.S.-run camp in Cuba in 2002. Nearly 400 people are still being held there but none has been tried.

Focus on Africa

Mr. Ban also reiterated his pledge to strengthen the world body by restoring trust, enhancing institutional capacity and changing the working culture.

Mr. Ban listed a number of priorities at his first formal news conference since assuming office on January 1.

The U.N. chief said Africa will be the focus of many of his priorities. — Agencies

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