Russia says ex-Guantanamo detainees in Georgia 'not a good idea'

Transfer of three detainees from Guantanamo to Georgia "can hardly be called a good idea," Andrei Nesterenko, a spokesman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, said.

He said that former detainees had been sent "to unstable region, where terrorism threat is quite real"; he suggested that there were no guarantees that one day these "Islamists" would not infiltrate into North Caucasus.

"[The former Guantanamo detainees] have been transfered 'to custody' of the state, whose leadership has repeatedly shown high level of irresponsibility and criminal adventurism in matters related to the regional security," Nesterenko said.

"Today no one can be sure, that the Georgian authorities want or are capable of securing proper control over former Guantanamo detainees," he said.

Nesterenko said Moscow thought the United States would "somberly assess risks accompanying this decision" and undertake all the measures "to prevent surprises".

The three individuals were transfered from Guantanamo to Georgia on March 23. The U.S. Department of Justice said that the transfer was coordinated with the Georgia to ensure that it "took place under appropriate security measures and consultations regarding these individuals will continue."


/Civil.ge/