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SLUG: 2-281118 Britain / Attacks (L update)
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DATE=09/28/01 TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT TITLE=BRITAIN / ATTACKS (L UPDATE) NUMBER=2-281118 BYLINE=MICHAEL DRUDGE DATELINE=LONDON CONTENT= VOICED AT: /// UPDATES 2-281113, WITH NEW INFORMATION ,/// INTRO: British prosecutors say an Algerian pilot arrested in London provided flight training to four of the hijackers in this month's terrorist attacks in the United States. V-O-A's Michael Drudge reports from London. TEXT: The 27-year-old suspect, Lotfi Raissi, has appeared in a London court for a hearing on his possible extradition to the United States. Prosecutor Arvinda Sambir said Mr. Raissi is wanted in the United States on charges of giving false information on his application for a pilot's license. But Mr. Sambir says the suspicions against Mr. Raissi go far beyond that. According to the prosecutor, the Algerian-born pilot gave flight training to four of the hijackers involved in the September 11th terrorist attacks in the United States. Mr. Sambir says an investigation is underway to possibly charge Mr. Raissi with conspiracy to murder. Mr. Raissi did not speak, but his lawyer says he is innocent. Britain's anti-terrorism police have detained several people as they investigate possible connections to the U-S attacks. Police say 11 of the hijackers passed through British airports this year. In another development, senior British cabinet ministers are warning that associates of alleged terrorist Osama bin Laden are planning more attacks. Britain's Minister for Europe, Peter Hain, spoke about the threat in an appearance on British television. /// HAIN ACT /// The truth is that this is a very dangerous group. We're in a very dangerous situation. I understand that he is preparing already for high-impact terrorist attacks in the coming weeks, if he is able to, and we've got to track him down. We've got to stop him doing it again. /// END ACT /// In a separate interview, British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said he agrees with Mr. Hain's assessment. Neither minister revealed the suspected targets. NEB/MWD/GE/JWH |
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