The US is trying to quickly sort out which terrorist suspects held in a high-security Cuban facility can be set free, officials said today.
But the planned release of some prisoners this week does not necessarily mean officials are getting closer to significantly reducing the prisoner population at the US Navy base at Guantanamo Bay.
Defence officials said that as about a dozen inmates are released, more than twice that number of new ones are to be transferred into the facility. It's another illustration that the global war on terror is a long-term undertaking.
Officials said the new detainees were captured in the continuing war against al-Qaida in Afghanistan, as were many of the suspects already there.
About 660 prisoners from 42 countries, including eight Britons, are held, though the US refuses to identify them or their countries or say exactly how many there are.
It was unclear how many of those leaving Guantanamo will be set free and how many will simply be transferred back to their own countries for further detention or charges.
Human rights groups were not satisfied. Amnesty International today called for all prisoners being held at the site to be charged with a recognisable offence or released.
The human rights organisation also called on the British government to intervene decisively and press for clear 'charge or release' action concerning the Britons being held.
Amnesty International UK Director Kate Allen said: "Today's news that some Guantanamo Bay detainees are to be released is a welcome first step, though long overdue.
"We have long said that holding people in 'legal limbo' at Guantanamo Bay was both unlawful and counter-productive in combating threats to international security since 11 September 2001.
"It is now time for the UK government to act decisively by standing up for the rights of the British nationals being held at Guantanamo Bay. We want to see our government calling for all detainees to face proper charges or to be immediately released."
AP