The UK could issue Bermuda's Guantánamo Bay Uighurs with refugee papers allowing them to travel while it decides their fate, according to the Attorney General.

Senator Kim Wilson told The Royal Gazette yesterday that Britain was signatory to a number of international conventions and treaties which would allow it to give travel documents to the four former terror suspects if it so chose.

Her comments come after Deputy Governor Mark Capes said on Tuesday: "It is our view that the four Uighurs are not entitled to travel documents of any description."

The AG said Bermuda — which took the men in from the notorious camp on June 11 without the UK's permission — lacked the power to issue such papers as it was not an independent state in international law.

But she said she believed Britain had "a number of options as it relates to the issuance of travel documents to the Uighurs given their 'refugee' status".

The Justice Minister cited article 27 of the United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees as providing that "upon request, contracting states shall issue travel and identity documents to stateless persons within their territory".

The Uighurs, who fear religious persecution if they return to their homeland of China, are still waiting to find out the outcome of talks between the UK and US on their future.

Sen. Wilson said: "As I understand it, the UK is meant to be producing a formal position in writing very soon."

She reiterated that though the men may be able to stay in Bermuda indefinitely with the Immigration Minister's permission, "as the law stands now, the Uighurs are unable to obtain Bermudian status".

She added: "The issue of status should not be confused with one's ability to obtain travel documents."

Richard Horsemen, the Uighurs' lawyer, said last night: "The men are anxious to be able to travel as any free citizen should be able to do so, but we have not started looking at it in any great detail in the hopes that Bermuda and Great Britain will get this matter sorted out."

He said his clients, Khalil Mamut, Abilikim Turahun, Abdullah Abdulqadir and Salahidin Abdulahat, were "waiting to see how everything unfolds" once the UK issues its formal response to their being brought to Bermuda.

"Once we have the opportunity to review that then we'll take a good look at it and decide what their next move will be, if any," said Mr. Horseman.

He saw the men last week and said they were "getting along well" and due to start thrice-weekly English classes next Monday.

The four Uighurs, twice cleared of being enemy combatants by the States, are working at Port Royal Golf Course and have been renting scooters to get around, but hope to get motorcycle licences.

Mr. Horseman said they wanted to remain here long-term. "As the Uighurs keep saying, Bermuda was the place with the bigger heart that welcomed them here. I think they are quite happy to be able to stay here."