We'll try bin Laden under Islamic law, say Taliban

Afghan authorities have offered to try Osama bin Laden under Islamic law.

They say detention is not a problem and a trial in Afghanistan would be appropriate.

The Taliban envoy to Pakistan says the United States must make a formal request.

Ambassador Abdul Salam Zaeef said: "If someone comes and gives the allegation against him, we would detain him.

"But if we detain him without allegations, he will say to us 'where is America? Why have you detained me?"'

Zaeef's offer was similar to one made last month by the Taliban supreme leader, Mullah Mohammed Omar.

This time Zaeef has not stipulated that the US must provide evidence linking bin Laden to the September 11 attacks.

"Under Islamic law, we can put him on trial according to allegations raised against him and then the evidence would be provided to the court," Zaeef said.

"It is up to them to come to us. It is their problem," he said, referring to the United States.