President Barack Obama took his case for closing the Guantanamo military prison to the American people Tuesday, saying it was time to shutter a facility that betrayed US interests and values.

"This is about closing a chapter in our history.  It reflects the lessons that we've learned since 9/11 -- lessons that need to guide our nation going forward," Obama said, unveiling a plan to close the facility, while trying to reassure Americans that suspected jihadists could be safely held in the United States.