Swiss parliament committee says no to Guantanamo Uighurs

A Swiss parliamentary committee voted Tuesday against granting asylum and residency to two Uighurs being held at the United State military detention centre at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, DPA reported.

In a 10 to 5 vote, the committee recommended the Federal Council - the country's executive organ - against accepting the two Uighur brothers.

The decision ultimately rests with the Federal Council.

Security concerns and relations with China played roles in reaching the decision, Jakob Bucheler, a legislator and chairman of the commission said.

Last week, Beijing's Embassy in Switzerland warned Bern against accepting the two - members of a Muslim ethnic minority in China - after authorities from the Western canton of Jura expressed willingness to host them.

US President Barack Obama last year announced plans to close the detention centre, which has been heavily criticized by human rights groups, but has faced obstacles in finding alternative solutions for many of the current prisoners there, including some no longer deemed a threat.

At the peak, 22 Uighurs were detained at Guantanamo Bay but 15 have already been relocated. The US refuses to repatriate the remaining ones to China, citing concerns over torture.