U.K. asks U.S. to release 5 from Guantanamo

Brown's request follows Blair's refusal to intervene in cases of ex-residents

Slide show

Inside Gitmo
A look at the controversial U.S.-run detention center in Cuba.

more photos

Terrorism video

MORE VIDEO

Bombs kill dozens in Iraq, Afghanistan
July 9: In the worst violence since U.S. combat troops pulled back from urban areas in Iraq, nearly 60 people were killed in Baghdad on Thursday; and a truck filled with explosives blew up on an Afghan highway, killing 25 people. NBC's Brian Williams reports.

Security report: Federal buildings unsafe

U.S. Marines take on Taliban in Afghanistan

INTERACTIVE

Al-Qaida's reach
For nearly two decades, al-Qaida and groups it's inspired have tried to attack U.S. and other Western targets across the world, with mixed results.

updated 6:28 a.m. ET Aug. 7, 2007

LONDON - Britain has asked the United States to release five British residents from the military prison in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, the Foreign Office said Tuesday.

Foreign Secretary David Miliband has written to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice asking that the men be freed. The men are not British nationals, but had lived in the U.K. before they were detained.

Miliband has called for the release of Shaker Aamer, Jamil al-Banna, Omar Deghayes, Binyam Mohamed and Abdennour Sameur, the Foreign Office said in a statement.

Story continues below ↓

advertisement | your ad here

“Discussions with the U.S. government about the release and return of these five men may take some time,” the statement said. “They have decided to request the release and return of the five detainees who have links to the U.K. as former residents, having been granted refugee status, indefinite leave or exceptional leave to remain prior to their detention.”

The Foreign Office said there may be security considerations when the men are returned to Britain. The government will “continue to take all necessary measures to maintain national security,” the statement said.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown has hardened Britain’s position over Guantanamo Bay, after ex-leader Tony Blair refused to press the United States to release the men.

In March, foreign office minister Kim Howells insisted Blair’s government could not intervene in the cases of the former residents.