Guantanamo Bay's Taliban inmates 'agree to Qatar transfer'

Kabul, Mar 11(ANI): Five senior Taliban operatives detained at the Guantanamo Bay have agreed to be moved to custody in Qatar as part of a peace plan, the Afghan government officials has said.

They would be re-united with their families in Qatar, which is playing a significant role in the Afghan peace talks.

They reportedly agreed to the transfer when they met Afghan government officials, who were on a mission from President Hamid Karzai.

The US administration has not approved the transfer, but is considering it as an incentive for the militants to enter negotiations on the Afghan issue.

The prospect of transferring Taliban detainees proves that Guantanamo Bay still remains a thorn for US President Barack Obama, as many American politicians still see a transfer of what they call the most dangerous inmates as a step too far, the BBC reports.

"The United States has not decided to transfer any Taliban officials from Guantanamo Bay. We are not in a position to discuss ongoing deliberations or individual detainees, but our goal of closing Guantanamo is well established and widely understood," White House spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden said, on being asked about the transfer plan.

She added that any decision on transfers would be made in accordance with US law and in consultation with the Congress.

A total of 171 detainees are reportedly being held at the Guantanamo Bay. (ANI)