Scotland Yard arrests Khalifa, Zerhouni demands his extradition

05/03/2007

[File] Zerhouni

Algeria's Interior Minister Noureddine Yazid Zerhouni demanded the extradition Sunday (March 4th) of Abdelmoumen Rafik Khalifa, the main defendant tried in absentia in the biggest fraud case in Algeria. A spokesman for the British Interior Ministry affirmed the UK is ready to assist with any extradition requests. His comment followed Khalifa’s release on bail on Sunday. According to Zerhouni, the case would be a test of bilateral relations. "There cannot be serious co-operation between Algeria and Great Britain, if Britain cannot [manage] the extradition of Abdelmoumen Khalifa," APS quoted him as saying. (APS, AP, Liberte, El Moudjahid)