Extract from BBC News online, 21 Jan 2009Barack Obama has requested the suspension of all military tribunals at Guantanamo Bay, in his first major act as US president.
The request could halt proceedings in 21 pending cases, including those against five men accused of plotting the 11 September 2001 attacks.
The halt would give Mr Obama time to review the tribunal process.
The new president is beginning his first working day by meeting economic advisers and top military commanders.
Most of his cabinet is in place but several key posts are still to be confirmed.
Mr Obama himself attended inaugural balls late into Tuesday night, as America marked the arrival of its 44th president and first African-American leader.
'Ideals versus safety'
Mr Obama has repeatedly promised to close the Guantanamo Bay detention camp, where some 250 inmates accused of having links to terrorism remain.
The request could halt proceedings in 21 pending cases, including those against five men accused of plotting the 11 September 2001 attacks.
The halt would give Mr Obama time to review the tribunal process.
The new president is beginning his first working day by meeting economic advisers and top military commanders.
Most of his cabinet is in place but several key posts are still to be confirmed.
Mr Obama himself attended inaugural balls late into Tuesday night, as America marked the arrival of its 44th president and first African-American leader.
'Ideals versus safety'
Mr Obama has repeatedly promised to close the Guantanamo Bay detention camp, where some 250 inmates accused of having links to terrorism remain.
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