Originally Published by World Radio Switzerland, 13 January 2010

There are continuing divisions this morning in parliament over whether Switzerland should take in two Guantanamo detainees, minority Uighurs from China.

Two parliamentary committees have issued opposing appeals to influence the cabinet on the matter.

Members of parliament’s committee on human rights published a letter earlier this week, urging the federal cabinet to stick to their decision to house the two men. They also criticize China for what they describe as a ‘campaign to denigrate’ the Guantanamo detainees.

But yesterday, following the publication of the letter, the country’s political institutions committee called on the cabinet to reject the Uighurs, saying they would pose a threat to national security and relations with China.

Anne Seydoux is a Christian Democrat MP and a member of the human rights committee. She says she hopes the cabinet will stay the course and honour its commitment to the U.S. government.

Whatever the divisions in parliament, the final decision rests with the Cabinet.

— Catherine Allen, World Radio Switzerland

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