This Saturday, Congressman Chris Smith, (R-Hamilton), will lead a Congressional Delegation to the United States Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to assess the human rights situation of enemy combatants being detained by the U.S. Military as part of the ongoing war on terrorism.

    Smith, who serves as Chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (U.S. Helsinki Commission) and Vice Chairman of the House International Relations Committee, has closely followed the situation in Guantanamo to ensure detainees are being treated in a humane manner.

    The issue has arisen during several international forums, most recently at the Organization for Cooperation and Security in Europe (OSCE) Parliamentary Assembly held earlier this month in Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

    “I am looking forward to personally assessing the situation at Guantanamo Bay,” Smith said.

    “While it is essential that enemy combatants are detained so they do not inflict additional harm on our soldiers and citizens, the U.S. must begin to resolve their status and whether or not they will be prosecuted,” Smith added.

    Press interested in speaking with Congressman Smith about the trip either before departure or upon the delegation’s return should contact Smith’s office at the above numbers.