The United States has transferred four French nationals from American control at Guantanamo Bay to the control of French authorities, deputy spokesman of the State Department Adam Ereli said in Washington Tuesday.  

After the Monday transfer, "three French nationals will remain in US control at Guantanamo as we continue to examine the intelligence and law enforcement value, as well as the threat that these three individuals may pose to the US, France and international community," Ereli told a regular news briefing.

Ereli said the handover was the result of discussion with the government of France.

"This transfer is part of a cooperative effort between the United States and France to fight terror."

"We appreciate the cooperation ... and we look forward to continued close partnership on the war -- in the war on terror," Ereli added.

The four French detainees were apprehended in the US campaign that toppled Afghanistan's Taliban regime.

It was reported that negotiations for the transfer of other three French detainees were under way.

(Xinhua News Agency July 28, 2004)