DATE=05/10/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BRITAIN / EXTRADITION (S-O)

NUMBER=2-289655

BYLINE=MICHAEL DRUDGE

DATELINE=LONDON

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: A British judge has ordered (Friday) the extradition to the United States of an Algerian man accused of plotting with Osama bin Laden to blow up the Los Angeles airport. Correspondent Michael Drudge has more from London.

TEXT: Judge Timothy Workman ruled that there is sufficient evidence to send the suspect, Amar Makhlulif, to the United States to stand trial.

U-S prosecutors say the suspect is a key figure in the al-Qaida terrorist network, led by Osama bin Laden.

A U-S federal grand jury has indicted Amar Makhlulif on charges of plotting to blow up the Los Angeles airport before the year 2000 millennium celebrations.

Lawyers for the suspect, who is also known as Abu Doha and "the Doctor," say they are considering an appeal. British Home Secretary David Blunkett also must approve the extradition.

U-S authorities have told British officials Amar Makhlulif could face life imprisonment, but not the death penalty, if he is convicted. (Signed)

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