Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel on Tuesday appointed Paul M. Lewis as special envoy for Guantanamo Bay closure, reflecting the Pentagon’s commitment to President Obama’s pledge to close the military detention facility in Cuba.
Mr. Obama created the position four months ago amid a hunger strike by detainees at the facility.
Mr. Lewis will work with his counterpart at the State Department, Clifford Sloan, and oversee efforts to transfer detainees held by the U.S. in Afghanistan.
He will working as the Pentagon’s special envoy on Nov. 1.
A former Marine, Mr. Lewis has served as general counsel for the House Committee on Armed Services, where he oversaw Guantanamo-related issues.
He was also director of the legislative office of the Pentagon’s Office of the General Counsel.
• Kristina Wong can be reached at kwong@washingtontimes.com.
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