Military

DATE=1/17/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=RED CROSS / GUANTANAMO (L-O)

NUMBER=2-285366

BYLINE=MICHAEL BOWMAN

DATELINE=MIAMI

Content=

Voiced At:

/// EDS: I-C-R-C DELEGATION EXPECTED TO ARRIVE AT 5 PM EASTERN TIME -- UPDATE INTRO AS NEEDED ///

INTRO: Another 30 Taleban and al-Qaida prisoners are due to arrive at the U-S Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba today (Thursday). The new arrivals will raise to 110 the total number of detainees held at the remote military facility on the southeastern part of the island. Meanwhile, representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross are also expected to arrive shortly at Guantanamo Bay. V-O-A's Michael Bowman has details.

TEXT: I-C-R-C spokesman Kim Gordon-Bates says the delegation will remain at the U-S naval station for several days to inspect living conditions at the hastily-constructed detention facility that began receiving prisoners last week. Mr. Gordon-Bates says the goal is to ensure basic rights and minimum standards for the prisoners.

/// GORDON-BATES ACT ///

You should be able to maintain your dignity as a human being, no matter what the circumstances (are) and no matter what crime you may have committed. You cannot degrade, humiliate or torture people, that is the first thing. Your detention conditions should meet minimum standards. You should be fed properly according to your customs. You should be able to exercise your religious rights. You should be able to correspond with your family, and that is one thing we will offer: if there is no such capability at Guantanamo (we will deliver) what we call 'Red Cross messages.'

/// END ACT ///

The four-member I-C-R-C team includes a physician. U-S officials approved the Red Cross visit -- even though the detainees at Guantanamo Bay have not been granted formal prisoner-of-war status.

Some human rights groups have criticized the detention camp's design, suggesting the small, open-air chain link cells resemble cages.

But Pentagon officials are expressing confidence the I-C-R-C will conclude detainees are being treated humanely at Guantanamo Bay, noting that prisoners are receiving "culturally appropriate" meals and have access to copies of the Koran.

U-S Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld says just how long the prisoners will remain at the naval base is not known.

/// RUMSFELD ACT ///

It is conceivable some could be kept in detention for a period (of time) while additional intelligence information is gathered or, if they simply are dangerous. And there is no question there are a number (of prisoners) down in Guantanamo Bay who, anytime anyone walks by (the detention facility) threaten to kill Americans the first chance they get. These are quite dangerous people.

/// END ACT ///

A permanent prison facility capable of housing up to two-thousand detainees is under construction at Guantanamo Bay and is expected to be completed in several months.

NEB/MCB/RH