Premier Ewart Brown has met United States Attorney General Eric Holder for talks over the clean-up of Bermuda's baselands and the relaxing of the stop list.

Dr. Brown said his meeting underlined how the Uighurs controversy strengthened the Island's relationship with the US, but warned: "Progress comes in small steps."

Speaking from Washington, D.C., where he attended the opening of Bermuda's new office, the Premier said he spoke to Mr. Holder about a "request from the Bermuda Government that the Obama administration consider reopening discussions on the baselands".

He added the pair had talked about the stop list, which prevents rehabilitated prisoners from Bermuda travelling to the States and has been dubbed unfair by many.

Dr. Brown's move to bring four former Guantánamo Bay prisoners to Bermuda in June angered the UK and the Premier's Cabinet — both of whom complained the Premier had not consulted them before the men arrived on the Island.

But commentators have said it could improve relations with the US, which did not want to take in the men and was facing a quandary in relocating them.

The Premier has previously stated there was no "quid quo pro" in accepting the Uighurs and has repeatedly described it as a humanitarian gesture.

However, he said at yesterday's telephone press conference: "I have to tell you the Attorney General of the US both at the beginning of his comments and at the end of the meeting was effusive in his gratitude, in his comments of support for what we have done in respect of the Uighurs.

"We both expressed an understanding that the US position was different from the British one.

"I believe what happened earlier this summer would serve to strengthen our relationship with the US. With a strong relationship I would expect better access, and we would be better placed to present our case."

Asked if there had been any progress on talks on the baselands and the stop list, the Premier said: "Yes. Progress comes in small steps," adding that at least his request for a conversation on the matter with Mr. Holder had not been declined.

Mess left behind when the Americans left Kindley Air Force Base and Morgan's Point 14 years ago includes waste such as mercury, paint, batteries and vast amounts of oil.

The clean-up is expected to cost tens of millions of dollars, but the US previously only agreed to pay $11 million for the replacement of Longbird Bridge.

Talking about the new Washington office, the Premier said: "It brings to Bermuda a number of opportunities. The first one, as is the case in London, is it provides us a physical location we can conduct business, particularly finance; and it gives us an opportunity to be closer to decision makers.

"In today's world, despite electronics, the personal touch is all important."

He said the office would be staffed by about three people who will facilitate meetings.

"One of the rooms we have is a conference room in which anywhere up to 15 people can meet and talk so we won't have to be paying those hotel bills," he said.

During his overseas trip, Dr. Brown also gave an opening convocation speech at Howard University.

Referring to his own days at Howard, he said in his speech: "When I sat where you sit, I dreamt of the day I would return to Bermuda and lead my country. Leadership of my country was one of my defining goals and ambitions, and through the grace of God, I have achieved it."