Envoy asks Britain to take Gitmo prisoners

LONDON, Jan. 8 (UPI) -- U.S. officials formally asked Britain to accept Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, detainees as part of a U.S. effort to close the controversial prison.

Robert Tuttle, the outgoing U.S. ambassador to Britain, told The Times of London diplomatic efforts on the matter were in an advanced stage, adding that he thought Britain, which has criticized the military prison facility, should be prepared to help close down the prison by taking some of its inmates.

While high-priority al-Qaida terrorist suspects would be tried in the United States, most of the 250 detainees aren't regarded as serious threats but have no place to go if the prison closes, the Times reported.

"(President George Bush's) administration has made several attempts to get other countries to accept the remaining detainees," Tuttle said. "I am hopeful that some will be taken before January 20 and hopefully some taken afterwards."

President-elect Barack Obama will be sworn in on Jan. 20.

Albania has taken some Chinese prisoners and Portugal said would take some as well. Australia rejected the request. Britain has indicated that it is prepared to consider taking prisoners on a case-by-case basis.

"I would hope that if (Britain) could see its way through to take some detainees that would certainly be helpful. You have taken back four or five. Certainly there have been discussions over that issue," Tuttle said.