The European Union (EU) warmly welcomed on Thursday the decision by U.S. President Barack Obama to sign executive orders leading to the closure of the Guantanamo detention camp within one year and an end to harsh interrogation techniques previously used on terrorist suspects.
"We believe that the decision has great symbolic and practical significance and could facilitate the strengthening of transatlantic counter-terrorism and security cooperation, based on the respect of international law and human rights," said a statement issued by the EU's Czech presidency.
On Thursday, Obama signed three executive orders and a presidential directive, asking for the closure of the controversial Guantanamo detention camp within one year, a systematic review of detention policies and procedures and all individual cases and a ban on harsh interrogation methods.
"The message that we are sending the world is that the United States intends to prosecute the ongoing struggle against violence and terrorism and we are going to do so vigilantly and we are going to do so effectively and we are going to do so in a manner that is consistent with our values and our ideals," Obama said.