Bush ‘exploring’ alternatives in face of Guantanamo criticism by human rights groups

US President George W Bush yesterday left open the possibility that the US prison camp at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, could be shut down following mounting criticism from former President Jimmy Carter and others.

“We’re exploring all alternatives as to how best to do the main objective, which is to protect America,” Mr Bush said when asked in an interview if he would close the detention centre.

The Defence Department disclosed last week that US guards or interrogators at Guantanamo kicked, stepped on and splashed urine on the Koran.