LONDON, March 12 (Xinhuanet) -- The United States has asked the British government how to return hundreds of alleged al-Qaida fighters back to their home countries and close the Guantanamo Bay, The Independent on Sunday reported.

    Senior officials from the Bush administration have sought advice on how to hand the alleged terrorists over to countries like Saudi Arabia, Algeria and Pakistan, said the report.

    About 500 alleged terrorists and Taliban fighters are being held at the naval base in Cuba, including at least five British residents. Most have been detained for three years.

    Organizations across the world have condemned Washington's use of indefinite detentions without charge and want Guantanamo to close as soon as possible.

    The United States argues it has the right to hold people it describes as enemy combatants because it is effectively at war with al-Qaida.

    The British government has signed deals with Lebanon, Jordan and Libya in which the governments have pledged not to abuse terror suspects sent back from Britain, the report added.

    The repatriation process is believed to start within weeks. Enditem