European allies of the United States declared themselves satisfied today with new assurances by Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice that US treatment of detainees was within international law.
The issue has dogged her European tour, with accusations that the CIA has run secret prisons in east Europe and covertly transported detainees in its war against terrorism. Human rights groups say incommunicado detention often leads to torture.
Condoleezza Rice talking to NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer at the start of a NATO foreign ministers meeting at the Alliance headquarters in Brussels today
Ms Rice repeated her defence of US practises at a dinner last night for Nato and EU foreign ministers on the eve of a one-day Nato meeting. Several emerged satisfied after what a source described as a frank but respectful exchange.
"I think Nato and EU ministers were able to raise their concerns that we should not diverge from one another on the interpretation of international law," German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier told reporters.
"Secretary Rice promised that international agreements are not interpreted any differently in the United States than they are in Europe. That, at least, is a good statement," he said.
Dutch Foreign Minister Bernard Bot, who signalled earlier this week that The Netherlands would raise the matter during the talks, said he was "very satisfied" with Ms Rice's responses.
European allies were seen having little appetite for a head-on confrontation with Ms Rice over allegations which could explode in their face if any complicity emerged on their part.
Nato foreign ministers are due later to approve new mission rules for an expanded peacekeeping force in Afghanistan next year that Washington hopes will allow some cuts to US troop numbers there.