On Wednesday the House of Representatives of the US Congress adopted a law draft on establishing military commissions to try terrorists by 253 to 168 votes. Bush administration considers it an important instrument to fight terror.

The law draft stipulates for the creation of military commissions to try the most odious terrorists. In such cases the so-called harsh interrogation methods may be applied. Secret service officers who will be conducting such interrogations are to be exempt from any responsibility from their actions.

The document was forwarded to the Capitol Hill at the time when the White House acknowledged the existence of CIS secret jails and the transportation of 14 Al-Quaeda leaders to the Guantanamo camp.

Nevertheless, the initiative was denounced not only by the opposition Democratic Party, but also by the Republicans. The bone of contention proved to be the attempt to re-interpret Geneva Convention.

Bush administration opted for avoiding conflict and initiated talks with Congress members. Thus, a middle-of-the-road document emerged. Although it provides for broader rights for foreign prisoners, the document assigns to the executive power more extensive authority in handling the captives.