Taliban ready to allow bin Laden to stand trial

Afghanistan's Taliban rulers are prepared to allow Osama bin Laden, sought by the US on terrorism charges, to stand trial - but only by the 'ulama, reports Press Association.

The trial could take place in a third country, says Pakistan's interior minister.

It was the Taliban's latest attempt to try to appease the United Nations, which has imposed sanctions on Afghanistan's ruling militia. The UN wants bin Laden to stand trial in the US or a third country. Bin Laden is accused by the US of masterminding the bombing of its embassies in Kenya and Tanzania in 1998.

He is also a suspect in last year's bombing of the USS Cole, in which 17 US sailors were killed. Pakistani Interior Minister Moinuddin Haider says the Taliban rulers are prepared to hand over bin Laden for trial by Islamic clerics, one each from Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan, and a third to be nominated by the Organisation of Islamic Conference.

Washington has been pressing Pakistan, considered the Taliban government's staunchest ally, to use its influence to secure bin Laden's surrender. The Taliban, who rule more than 95% of Afghanistan, had rejected the pressure to release bin Laden, saying he can stay in Afghanistan until any terrorist activity is proven.

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