Des gets reassurance from US on Omar

Des Turner MP has returned from a visit to the US in a bid to help secure the release of Omar Deghayes.

Omar Deghayes is a Saltdean resident who has been detained in Guantanamo Bay without charge since 2002. Although an imminent release of Omar still seems unlikely, the US authorities have indicated they are unlikely to send him to Libya, where it is feared his safety would be at risk.

On his return from Washington Des said: "The Pentagon were surprisingly forthcoming. I think we have got a fairly clear indication there is no immediate prospect of him being sent to Libya and I think the Americans have understood the reservations about Libya."

Des said that efforts to secure Omar's release are continuing: "The British Embassy talks to the Americans a lot. Although not a lot seems to be happening publicly, a lot goes on behind the scenes."

For more information on the Save Omar campaign, go to their website.