PITTSBURGH -- It takes a network of international intelligence and law enforcement agencies to defeat terror groups such as al-Qaida, and last week's disruption of a terror plot in Britain is an example of how that cooperation can work, Attorney General Alberto Gonzales said Wednesday.

Gonzales sidestepped the question of whether the United States moves too quickly to break up suspected terror plots. Some critics have said British agents were able to round up more suspects by watching the alleged plot to blow up U.S.-bound jetliners unfold.

"Decisions about arrests are difficult ones that must be made on a case-by-case basis," Gonzales said in a speech to the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh.

He didn't discuss a U.S. role in disrupting the British terror plot, but said 200 FBI agents are working with the British to investigate leads in the U.S. and agents are assisting with evidence analysis overseas.

Responding to written questions after his speech, Gonzales denied that the U.S. engaged in torture as part of its anti-terror policies. He said prisoners are treated humanely in accordance with the spirit of the Geneva convention, which he called a "very important document."

Gonzales also insisted the U.S. prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, is necessary, even though it might be a black eye for the U.S. image abroad.

"The perception is much worse than the reality," he said.

Some prisoners released from Guantanamo Bay already have begun fighting U.S. forces again, he said, without giving specific details.

Later, Gonzales toured the Allegheny County Emergency Operations Center, with Major League Baseball representatives and local FBI agents, immigrations, fire and police officials.

Pittsburgh served as an anti-terrorism model for the rest of the U.S. during preparations for last month's MLB All-Star Game at PNC Park, Gonzales said.

Word has traveled to Washington of what Gonzales called unprecedented cooperation among authorities who provided security and worked to prevent an attack at the game, he said.

"We have this national reputation of cooperation, and he wanted to see and hear it first-hand," said Bob Full, the county's chief of emergency services. "Major League Baseball made it clear this was the best cooperative effort they have ever experienced."

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