Zambia deports terror suspect to UK

LUSAKA, Zambia, Aug. 3 (UPI) -- A man held in Zambia on suspicion of terrorism will be deported to Britain, the country's president said Wednesday.

British police have denied reports Haroon Rashod Aswat, a British national, is wanted in connection with the July 7 London bombings.

However, he is of interest to other inquiries, Scotland Yard has said. He is also wanted by the United States in an alleged plot to set up an al-Qaida training camp in Oregon in 1999.

Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa told a news conference: "We have discussed with the governments of the U.S. and Britain and we have finally agreed that Mr. Aswat must be deported to Britain because that is his country."

Zambian police said Aswat was arrested on July 20 in Lusaka, having entered the country on July 6.

It was initially reported Aswat entered Britain shortly before the July 7 attacks and had telephone contact with two of the bombers. However, police now say these reports were incorrect.

Aswat's family has expressed fear he may be extradited to the United States and detained in Guantanamo Bay.