A report ordered by US President Barack Obama as part of his effort to close Guantanamo will be delayed by six months, but officials said they are on track to shut it by January.
Mr Obama's aides said a task force crafting a new policy on terrorism detainees would miss its deadline today for offering its full recommendations.
Instead, the government panel issued an interim report yesterday that provided an overview of the options, including prosecution in US civilian courts and by military commission or the transfer of suspects to other countries.
A separate government task force reviewing detainee interrogation rules also fell short of its deadline today and was granted an extra two months to submit a final report.
Mr Obama has promised to close the prison in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, by January, saying it had damaged the moral standing of the US in the world.
The prison was opened under former US President George W Bush after the 11 September 2001 attacks on the US, and has drawn international criticism for holding prisoners indefinitely, many without charge. About 230 inmates remain.
Officials said Mr Obama's administration remained committed to his target date for closing Guantanamo, which is within a year of his inauguration.
Officials said extensions were sought, and granted, in order to conduct the most comprehensive reviews possible as well as to consult thoroughly with US Congress.
The five-page interim report issued yesterday said prosecution 'must occur as soon as possible' but asserted that 'justice cannot be done' unless the accused are given a 'full and fair opportunity to contest the charges against them.'
