The United States said on Wednesday that it believes the Iraqi government will conduct a credible investigation on allegations against Iraqi detainees and it will not affect US policy toward the country.

"We have every reason to believe they can and will" conduct a credible investigation, State Department deputy spokesman Adam Ereli said at a briefing.

When asked if it will have a noxious effect on US policy, Erelisaid: "I don't see the connection, frankly."

Ereli said that the Iraqi government has made clear that it will investigate who is responsible for this.

"They've also said that they're going to be conducting a comprehensive investigation not only into this incident but into all facilities where detainees are being held," Ereli said.

According to media reports, more than 170 Iraqi detainees were malnourished at an Iraqi Interior Ministry detention center. Iraqiand US officials have admitted that some of the detainees appearedto have been abused and tortured.

(Source: Xinhua)