Guantanamo Inmates Make Video Calls, Says Red Cross

GENEVA — The international Red Cross says it has set up video links allowing Guantanamo Bay inmates to talk to their families and friends face-to-face.

The International Committee of the Red Cross says more than 60 detainees registered to make calls when the initiative started Thursday.

The Geneva-based group has met with Guantanamo inmates since 2002 as part of its mandate of visiting people imprisoned during conflicts.

The ICRC said Friday the video links were put in place with the help of the U.S. military that operates the detention center.

The ICRC says inmates have been allowed to make regular phone calls to their families several times a year since April 2008.

There are currently 226 inmates at the facility.