Brussels, 26/02/2009 (Agence Europe) - EU Interior Ministers said, on Thursday 26 February, that the United States would have to respond to a number of questions before a decision could be taken on accepting prisoners from Guantanamo. “No decision was taken. We agree that there has to be a coordinated approach. But everything will depend on the information we receive from Washington,” said Czech Interior Minister Ivan Langer after the Council meeting. Langer will travel to Washington with Commissioner Jacques Barrot on 16-17 March, for discussion on this issue. Some countries were concerned for their security, Langer said, referring to the lack of border controls in the Schengen Area. He pointed out that the final decision would be for member states to take. Barrot said that “many questions” had to be asked of the Americans: “How guilty are the detainees? If they are innocent, why does the United States not keep them? Why can the detainees not return to their home countries? Is it because of possible persecution?” “If a member state accepts any detainees, will the Americans provide that state with any money?” he added. This phase of seeking and receiving information could last 3-4 months more, before any decision can be taken. (B.C./transl.rt)