TEMPO.CO, Washington, D.C - Thirty-one retired US military officers on Tuesday had urged President Barack Obama to close down Guantanamo Bay Prison and hasten the transfer of the inmates.

"We appreciate your leadership this past year in recommitting to closing Guantanamo," wrote a number of former Generals and Admirals in a letter addressed to the Human Rights First.

"Guantanamo does not serve America's interests. As long as it remains open, Guantanamo will undermine America’s security and status as a nation where human rights and the rule of law matter."

The signers of the statement include former Commander of the Marine Corps, General Charles Krulak; former Air Force Chief of Staff, General Merrill McPeak; and former Chief of Central Military Command General Joseph Hoar.

Five years ago, these generals and admirals were at the White House, witnessing Obama signing the order to shut down Guantanamo Bay and prohibiting the use of torture in interrogation. However, until today, the prison which is located in the US Navy Base in the southeast of Cuba is still in operations.

As many as 779 prisoners were sent to the US military prison in Guantanamo Bay, while the other 155 are still behind bars. Among them are 78 Yemeni nationals. Fifty-five of the prisoners have been released.

AL ARABIYA | CHOIRUL