Written question asked by Baroness Williams of Crosby (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Triesman (Labour) on Monday, 8 January 2007.

Guantanamo Bay: Bisher Al-Rawi

Question: asked Her Majesty's Government:What reply was received to the letter sent earlier this year by the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to the United States Secretary of State, Dr Condoleezza Rice, regarding the request for the release and return of Mr Bisher Al-Rawi.

Answer: In April 2006 my right honourable friend the then Foreign Secretary, Mr Jack Straw, wrote to the US Secretary of State to request, exceptionally, Mr Bisher Al-Rawi's release and return from Guantanamo Bay, having considered particular fact-specific circumstances in his case. The US State Department replied later that month, suggesting more detailed discussions. Embassy officials in Washington have since been in regular contact on this issue with the US Administration and discussions are continuing.

Secondary information