Wikileaks disclosures 'will put lives at risk'

The Obama administration tonight condemned as “irresponsible” the expected release of classified diplomatic cables by the WikiLeaks website and warned it will endanger “lives and interests”.

State Department spokesman PJ Crowley said US diplomats are continuing the process of warning governments around the world about what might be in the documents.

Many fear the cables will embarrass the United States and its allies and reveal sensitive details of how the US conducts relations with other countries.

“We are all bracing for what may be coming and condemn WikiLeaks for the release of classified material,” he said. “It will place lives and interests at risk. It is irresponsible.”

The release of hundreds of thousands of State Department cables is expected this weekend, although WikiLeaks has not been specific about the timing.

The cables are thought to include private, candid assessments of foreign leaders and governments and could erode trust in the US as a diplomatic partner.