Berlin: Germany's interior minister is defending his decision to consider taking in prisoners from Guantanamo Bay amid criticism from within his own conservative party.
Thomas de Maiziere recently reopened discussions with the US about possibly taking in selected inmates — which his predecessor was unenthusiastic about.
De Maiziere noted on ZDF television on Thursday that Germany has called for the detention centre's closure and said it has a duty, out of solidarity with an important partner, to examine whether it can help.
He said no decision is imminent on whether Germany will accept prisoners.
Conservative lawmakers and officials question whether that might pose a security risk and pointed to US unwillingness to house the prisoners.
Bureau Report
First Published: Thursday, April 08, 2010, 15:08