WASHINGTON, Nov. 18 (Xinhuanet) -- The United States insisted on Friday that Iraq is investigating the alleged torture of detainees in an Iraqi Interior Ministry facility but admitted it is helping the investigation.

    "We said from the very beginning that this is an Iraqi investigation, but we will be supporting them and helping them as they conduct that investigation," State Department deputy spokesman Adam Ereli said at a briefing.

    The spokesman said that the United States is helping the Iraqi government "conduct the investigation and make their analysis and make their recommendations."

    "We bring a certain expertise or knowledge base to the task that can be of use to them, but at the same time remembering that this is their investigation under their auspices and under their authorities," Ereli said.

    According to media reports, more than 170 Iraqi detainees were malnourished at an Iraqi Interior Ministry detention center. Iraqiand US officials have admitted that some of the detainees appearedto have been abused and tortured.

    The United States has expressed belief that the Iraqi authorities will conduct a credible investigation. Enditem