U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates said he would like to see Guantanamo Bay closed and predicted its shutdown would be "a high priority" for the administration of president elect Barack Obama.

When asked how long it would take to close the facility, Gates said it would depend on how soon an alternative could be found.

"Truth is there are a number of these people we're ready to release right now, but we can't find a country that will take them back or we can't find a country that we can be sure won't further imprison them and mistreat them."

As to questions about the war in Iraq, Gates said he envisioned tens of thousands of American troops remaining in that country for an extended period. But he added that any forces remaining in Iraq after the end of 2011 will have to be there as a result of a new agreement negotiated with the Iraqis.

"They are a sovereign country and if they tell us after the end of 2011, 'We want you all out,' I think we have no choice but to do that."

Under a security agreement, U.S. combat forces are to be out of Iraqi urban areas by June 30 and all U.S. troops are to withdraw by the end of 2011.