GTMO OSCE Representative Invitation
December 09, 2005

The Department of Defense announced today the U.S. governments decision to extend an invitation to the Representative for the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Anne-Marie Lizin to visit U.S. detention facilities at the Guantanamo Bay Naval Station in Cuba.

Although department policy does not provide for such visits to military detention facilities, the department has determined on an exceptional basis to extend this invitation. The department strives for transparency in our operations to the extent possible in light of security and operational requirements and the need to ensure the safety of our forces.

Ms. Lizin will be permitted to observe operations at the facilities at Guantanamo and ask questions of the command, staff and U.S. officials who would accompany her.