Italy receives two Guantanamo inmates

Both men reportedly travelled to Afghanistan from Italy

Two Tunisian inmates of the US prison camp at Guantanamo Bay have been transferred to Italy, where they are expected to face trial.

Adel Ben Mabrouk and Muhammad Ben Riadh Nasri are both accused of terrorism-related offences, which they deny.

Italian officials said they were taken into custody upon their arrival in Milan and sent for interrogation.

A third Guantanamo prisoner has arrived in France, but is expected to be allowed to go free.

The French foreign ministry said Saber Lahmar, an Algerian, had been cleared of all terrorism charges.

A fourth prisoner was reported to be bound for Hungary.

Missed deadline

The transfers are part of an effort to deal with Guantanamo detainees internationally, to help the United States close the camp.

US President Barack Obama announced plans to close the camp shortly after taking office.

He set a deadline of January 2010, but has recently been forced to admit there is no chance of meeting that target.

The two Tunisians transferred to Italy are accused of travelling from Italy to Afghanistan and helping Islamist militant groups to recruit fighters.