Obama: US safer without harsh interrogation methods

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Source: CCTV.com | 04-21-2009 09:54

US President Barack Obama has defended his decision to release Bush-era memos outlining harsh interrogation techniques.

He told an enthusiastic crowd of CIA employees at their headquarters in Langley, Virginia that his decision will make Americans more safe.

US President Barack Obama waves to CIA employees prior  to speaking during a visit to the Central Intelligence  Agency headquarters in Langley, Virginia. Obama Monday  heaped praise on the CIA, telling employees not to be  discouraged by his release of stunning details on the  agency's harsh terror interrogations.(AFP/Saul Loeb)

Obama's visit to CIA headquarters came amid a media firestorm after the release of memos that detail the spy agency's harsh interrogation techniques such as waterboarding.

It is reported that two al-Qaeda suspects including Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the self-confessed planner of the 9/11 attacks, were waterboarded 266 times.

Many critics say this technique equates to torture. But Obama will not seek charges against CIA officers who carried it out.

On Monday, he reiterated his stance.

Barack Obama, US president, said, "I understand that it's hard when you are asked to protect the American people against people who have no scruples, and would willingly and gladly kill innocents."

In the past week, four former CIA chiefs, including Michael Hayden criticized the release of the memos.

They argue that it tarnishes the CIA's image and limits its ability to pursue terror suspects.

But the president said he revoked authority for the techniques outlined in the memos because it makes the country more secure.

Barack Obama, US president, said, "I believe our nation is stronger and more secure when we deploy the full measure of both our power and the power of our values, including the rule of law. I know I can count on you to do exactly that."

After Obama's televised message on the importance of the CIA's mission, he held private meetings with CIA staff who wanted additional assurances that agents who carried out the harsh interrogation methods will not be prosecuted or extradited.

Editor:Zhang Yun