A PROTESTER who vowed to become a human shield in Iraq has vowed to stay in the Middle East after scores of colleagues headed home.

Dieter Seager, 27, of Washington Street, Accrington, is still at the Al-Saraya Hotel in Amman, Jordan, more than a week after joining Operation Human Shield.

And he is looking to go into Baghdad to ferry supplies and 'fight the good fight,' even though a number of volunteers have left Iraq, claiming Saddam Hussein wanted them to guard oil refineries and power stations.

Dieter's nephew Steven Dixon, 22, of Huncoat, is a Gunner Commando in the Royal Artillery and is currently preparing for war in Kuwait.

Dieter said he had not spoken to him since he went out.

Dieter's mum, Jean, 57, of Clarence Road, Accrington, denied the family was split over the issue and said they were proud of both Dieter and Steven.

Dieter, a former care worker for the National Autistic Society, said: "I'm still trying to get into Baghdad, to take in supplies and help people there. Things change from one moment to the next so I don't know what could happen. A friend of mine works for the Red Cross and he may be able to get me into working for that.

"I haven't spoken to Steven, the Army wouldn't really like that, but he's welcome to come and join us."

He said that a few of the volunteers who left Baghdad at the weekend have passed through Amman, but that does not mean the organisation is winding down its operation.

"We're here to help the people of Iraq, not to be used by Saddam in oil refineries and power stations. We wanted to stay with the people of Iraq, to show our support and to help them. It's really humanitarian work and even though some left Baghdad they've stayed here to carry on with that in refugee camps or other places."

Dieter's mum said he was not going to come home: "He's definitely not coming home. I would love him to but that is his principles and his decision and I have to respect that.

The Lancashire Evening Telegraph's website thisislancashire.co.uk is giving people the chance to ask Blackburn MP Jack Straw a question on the Iraq crisis.

And Dieter was one of the first to respond, asking: "If you want me to come home you will have to stop this immoral and illegal war. Any idea when you will do this?"

Mr Straw's answers will be featured on the site over the coming weeks.

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