his statement. "We have now completed enough of our initial due diligence that will allow us to submit our offer in advance of the county executive's deadline."

Cullen said the offer would consist of "a robust proposal based upon specifications prepared for and information obtained from the county."

Last April, Gilbert and Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores jointly proposed a $1-billion development at the site of the stalled jail project that would include a 25,000-seat soccer stadium that could host a Major League Soccer franchise the pair hope to bring to Detroit. But so far, county officials have balked at giving up the site on the east side of downtown, citing the huge cost of relocating the jail project.

Evans has said that on Feb. 10 he will seek a proposaleverywhere, to fight for freedom of expression and represent the conscience of world literature.

Members of the organisation are required to sign this charter. Writers use their skill with words to help other writers across the world, monitor human rights issues and disseminate the information they get. Projects that PEN has been involved with include providing moral support for writers in prison, speaking out against censorship, promoting women's writing, and protesting human rights abuses (e.g Hari Kunzru recently protested torture, imprisonment and disappearances in the Madives). Our own writers would have the support of an international organisation should their rights be compromised ...

There is also the social side of PEN, of course, and most centres organise a lively programme of talks, set up writing competitions and provide a much