Extremist preacher to return to Britain

BEIRUT, Lebanon, Aug. 9 (UPI) -- A Syrian Muslim extremist preacher holding Lebanese nationality and accused by Britain of inciting violence in the kingdom arrived in Lebanon two days ago.

Lebanese security sources said Tuesday Omar Bakri entered through Beirut airport accompanied by his wife and seven children.

Bakri who has been residing in Britain since 1986, told the BBC in a telephone interview from Beirut that he traveled to Lebanon to spend a few weeks ago with his mother and will return to London if the British government does not bar him.

He said he is ready to return to Britain and face trial there in line with new British laws aimed at curbing terrorism.

"The British government did not file any accusation against me and I have never committed any crime or violation during my whole stay in Britain for almost 20 years," Bakri was quoted as saying.

Bakri denied that he has praised as "great men" the bombers of London's underground trains and buses, saying "I condemn such bombings that claimed the lives of innocent people the same way I denounce any act directed against innocent lives anywhere in the world."

British authorities accuse Bakri of fueling and preaching Islamic holy war against Western countries, including Britain.