Biden launches review of Guantanamo prison, aims to close it before leaving office

FILE PHOTO: An exit door where released detainees are turned over to the countries that have agreed to accept them is seen at the Guantanamo Bay U.S. Naval Base, Cuba, June 3, 2017. REUTERS/Carlos Barria

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Joe Biden's aides have launched a formal review of the U.S. military prison at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba, reviving the Obama-era goal of closing the controversial facility with the aim of doing so before he leaves office, the White House said on Friday.

Aides involved in internal discussions are considering an executive action to be signed by Biden in coming weeks or months, two people familiar with the matter told Reuters, signaling a new effort to remove what human rights advocates have called a stain on America’s global image.