Islamist Web site warns US over ailing jailed cleric

DUBAI, Dec 20 (Reuters) An Islamist Web site used by militant groups including al Qaeda urged Muslims today to seek the release of a cleric jailed in the United States through ''any form of attempt or pressure''.

Al-Hesbah Network also warned Washington that it would be held responsible for any harm that came to Omar Abdel-Rahman, a blind Muslim cleric imprisoned for conspiring to blow up New York City landmarks.

US law enforcement officials have said Abdel-Rahman was taken to hospital earlier this month, prompting a warning by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation warning that his death could lead to attacks on the United States.

The Web site quoted what it described as the will of Abdel-Rahman as saying: ''If they (US) and they certainly will kill me ... forget not my blood and do not let it be wasted.

Seek revenge for me in the strongest and most violent fashion.'' ''We promise God to follow the path of the Sheikh's teachings and we urge our mujahideen brothers in all parts not to forget the case of Sheikh Omar,'' it said.

''We urge all Muslims and everyone with mercy for the weak ... to do something for the blind and tortured sheikh, through words, stances or any form of attempt or pressure.'' The US officials have said the medical condition of the 68-year-old Abdel-Rahman had subsequently improved, that he had been released from the hospital, that he now is in stable condition and back in a federal prison medical facility.

According to the US bulletin, Abdel-Rahman began to spit up blood on December 6 and was taken from the prison to the emergency room at a hospital in Springfield, Missouri, where doctors discovered a tumour on his liver, the officials said.

''We at al-Hesbah Network hold America responsible for any harm, torture or insult to which the sheikh is subjected and we will never forget that,'' it said.

The Egyptian sheikh was convicted in 1995 and sentenced to life in prison.

He has long suffered from a number of medical problems, including diabetes and heart ailments.

REUTERS LL HT1505