German minister criticises US on Guantanamo

Germany's interior minister has criticised the United States for holding Afghan war captives without trial in an interview released…

Germany's interior minister has criticised the United States for holding Afghan war captives without trial in an interview released shortly before the US and German leaders meet for the first time in over a year.

Mr Otto Schily told

Der Spiegel

magazine that captives held at the Guantanamo naval base in Cuba should be tried to establish if they did indeed pose a threat and they should be allowed access to legal advisers.

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"Otherwise basic principles are lost," Mr Schily said in the interview released today.

His comments come 10 days before US President George W. Bush's planned meeting with German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, their first since Germany's opposition to the American build-up to the Iraq war damaged relations a year ago.

Mr Schily said he understood US concerns that some of the 660 Guantanamo prisoners might carry out attacks if let free, but that did not mean they should be held without any objective process or legal representation.

"We are bringing up the matter, but the Americans do not see any other option at the moment. But I hope that thinking in the United States leads to conclusions that are reasonable and legally sound," Mr Schily said.

Human rights groups have heavily criticised America over the camp and even US allies Britain and Australia have expressed concern.

No charges have been brought against any prisoner, but the United States has identified six it considers eligible for military tribunals.