Yemen can’t hand over Cole suspect

[unhappycamper]

Yemen can’t hand over Cole suspect
By Ahmed Al-Haj - The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Jun 10, 2008 6:47:24 EDT

SAN’A, Yemen — Yemen’s constitution bars the country from handing over two al-Qaida suspects convicted here but wanted by the U.S., Yemen’s foreign minister said Monday, adding that the dispute has strained relations between the two nations.

Abu-Bakr al-Qirbi told The Associated Press that the issue of the two suspects was “behind the crisis in Yemen-U.S. relations” but that he hopes they can “return to their normal course.”

The two suspects are Jaber Elbaneh, a Yemeni-American who has been convicted of planning attacks on oil installations in Yemen, and Jamal al-Badawi, convicted of masterminding the 2000 al-Qaida bombing of destroyer Cole bombing that killed 17 U.S. sailors.

Washington has indicted al-Badawi and wants to try him for the Cole bombing in the U.S. but it is seeking Elbaneh’s extradition on different charges.

Washington has offered a $5 million reward for Elbaneh, who has been indicted in the U.S. for conspiring to provide material support or resources to a foreign terrorist organization.


Rest of article at: http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/06/ap_colesuspect_060908/

[Benhurst]

1. They still have a constitution and abide by it?

How quaint.