The father of a Birmingham man due to be released from Guantanamo Bay is still no nearer knowing when he will see his son again.
Azmat Begg is awaiting any news that his son Moazzam is on his way home following last week's announcement by Foreign Secretary Jack Straw that four British men held at the base are to be freed.
The announcement followed months of intense negotiations between Mr Straw, the Attorney General Lord Goldsmith, and Colin Powell, the US Secretary of State. A spokesman for Mr Begg's MP Roger Godsiff (Lab Sparkhill and Sparkbrook) said it was likely the first he would know about his son's arrival would be when he was in the air.
"We would not expect to hear anything because we think it will be a similar operation to the Tipton Three. I think the first most people will know about it will be when Mr Begg makes an announcement to say his son is back."
Some supporters have been heartened by the release of 80 prisoners held by US forces in Afghanistan over the weekend.
Mr Begg said when his son finally arrived back in England he hoped to see him within a matter of days.
"The Foreign Office has not committed itself either way as to when it will be. I am ready to go anywhere at a moment's notice. Everyone is looking forward to having him back."
Mr Begg said friends and family were constantly visiting him at his house and he was in touch daily with the Foreign Office.
Nine Britons have been held at the notorious prison camp in Cuba. Five, including three from Tipton, were released last year.
The final four still have one hurdle to clear before they are given their liberty. They will be interviewed by police on arrival in Britain under the Anti-Terrorism, Crime and Security Act.
