The Prime Minister says he wants military trials for the two Australian detainees in Cuba held as soon as possible, and will pursue the matter in Washington next week.

David Hicks and Mamdouh Habib have been held without charge at the US military prison at Guantanamo Bay for the past two years.

John Howard has told Southern Cross radio the pair should face a military commission soon.

"They should be brought to trial as soon as possible," Mr Howard said.

"I understand plea bargaining discussions have been going on, there've been a whole lot of discussions.

"Progress has been made but I would like that accelerated."