Qaeda urges non-Muslims to convert to Islam-vi

DUBAI, Sept 2 (Reuters) Al Qaeda called on non-Muslims especially in the United States to convert to Islam and abandon their 'misguided' ways or else suffer, according to a video tape posted on a Web site today.

The speaker was identified as Azzam the American, also known as Adam Yahiye Gadahn -- an Islamic convert from California wanted for questions by the FBI and who US authorities believe to be involved in a propaganda campaign for al Qaeda.

''To Americans and the rest of Christendom we say, either repent (your) misguided ways and enter into the light of truth or keep your poison to yourself and suffer the consequences in this world and the next,'' Gadahn said in English.

He appeared in the video dressed in a white turban and seated in front of a computer and books.

''But whatever you do don't attempt to spread you misery and misguidance to our lands,'' he said.

Al Qaeda's second-in-command Ayman al-Zawahri made a brief statement at the beginning of the tape -- dated September. 2006 -- urging viewers to listen carefully to the message, entitled: ''An Invitation to Islam''.

Zawahri and Gadahn appeared to be speaking from different places, as Zawahri spoke in front of a black background.

Gadahn recited verses from the Muslim holy book the Koran in Arabic, then translated them into English and said Muslims needed to boost their faith to expel their countries' rulers.

''Muslims don't need democracy to rid themselves of their home grown despots and tyrants. What they do need is their Islamic faith, the sprit of jihad and the lifting of foreign troops and interference from their necks,'' he said, adding that God did not recognise a separation of religion and state.

Zawahri last appeared in a video in August in which he said that some leaders of Egypt's Gama'a Islamiya have joined al Qaeda. Gama'a Islamiya later denied his statement.

REUTERS SRS PM0015