Transfer of Australian Detainee Complete
January 28, 2005

The Department of Defense announced today that it transferred one Australian detainee from U.S. facilities in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, (GTMO) to the custody of Australia.

The decision to transfer or release a detainee is based on many factors, including whether the detainee poses a continued threat to the United States or its allies and whether he is of further intelligence value. The decision to transfer this detainee was made after extensive discussions between the two governments.

During these discussions, the Australian government requested his transfer and accepted responsibility for this detainee. It has assured the U.S. government that the detainee will not pose a continuing security threat to the United States or its allies. The Department of Defense has strong confidence in Australias commitment and ability to fulfill this responsibility.

Because of operational and security considerations, no further details regarding the movement can be provided. During the course of the War on Terrorism, the Department of Defense expects that there will be other transfers or releases of detainees.

To date, 208 detainees have departed GTMO – 146 for release, and 62 transferred to the control of other governments (29 to Pakistan, five to Morocco, four to France, seven to Russia, four to Saudi Arabia, one to Spain, one to Sweden, nine to the United Kingdom, one to Kuwait and one to Australia). As a result of todays transfer, there are now approximately 545 detainees at GTMO.