FED:CSL to create hundreds of jobs in Australia

AAP General News (Australia)
08-17-2011
FED:CSL to create hundreds of jobs in Australia

SYDNEY, Aug 17 AAP - Blood products maker CSL expects to create hundreds of jobs in
Australia by building a new manufacturing plant in Victoria.

The company on Wednesday unveiled plans to construct the plant at its Broadmeadows
site as part of a $250 million capital expenditure plan to upgrade its facilities over
four years.

"We think overall there will be many hundreds of jobs created through the construction
and long term operation of the plant," chief executive Brian McNamee told reporters.

"This is a 10- to 20-year decision not a one-year decision.

"(The plant) will be designed for further modular expansion."

Construction on the new plant is expected to be completed by 2016.

It will manufacture Privigen, CSL's intravenous immunoglobulin treatment for people
whose immune system does not function properly.

CSL, which currently makes Privigen at its main manufacturing plant in the Swiss capital
of Bern, will export the product from Broadmeadows to the United States, Europe and Asia.

The company earlier reported a 10.7 per cent drop in net profit to $940.6 million for
the 12 months to June 30.

CSL, which generates 90 per cent of its profit overseas, was hit by $116 million worth
of unfavourable foreign exchange movements.

On a constant currency basis, operational net profit grew 14 per cent to $1.06 billion.

Shares in CSL declined 45 cents, or 1.5 per cent, to $29.41 by 1046 AEST. The stock
reached an almost four-year low last week as equity markets around the world plunged.

Dr McNamee said CSL expected growth in reported profit of 10 per cent for the year
ahead, based on fiscal 2011 exchange rates.

"However the US dollar is currently trading at historic lows against the Swiss Franc
and should current rates prevail throughout the fiscal year we anticipate a foreign exchange
headwind to fiscal 2012 reported profit," he said.

CSL makes all its immunoglobulin products in Switzerland, where the rising Swiss franc
has pushed up costs for CSL's exports.

Revenue declined 6.6 per cent to $4.32 billion.

Dr McNamee said the weakening US dollar and euro against the Swiss franc was causing
"significant problems" for CSL.

"I don't know what I did to the world currency markets," Dr McNamee joked.

"We have been caught up in a perfect storm of currencies.

"But the business is strong."

Meanwhile, CSL has completed its on-market share buyback and foreshadowed further
capital management initiatives, with $479 million cash on hand.

CSL will pay a final dividend of 45 cents per share, 4.4 per cent franked.

AAP bt/dlm/dep

KEYWORD: CSL

� 2011 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.

Fed: Mauboy set to be rivalled by older sister on Oz Idol

AAP General News (Australia)
02-20-2007
Fed: Mauboy set to be rivalled by older sister on Oz Idol

The powerful vocals of 2006 Australian Idol runner-up JESSICA MAUBOY are set to be
rivalled by her older sister CATHARINE.

The Northern Territory singer says her 21-year-old law studying sibling is keen to
audition for the Network Ten singing show this year.

But if she makes the final cut .. CATHARINE won't be …

NT:Elders fight to set up new land council

AAP General News (Australia)
04-20-2011
NT:Elders fight to set up new land council

DARWIN, April 20 AAP - The federal Aboriginal land commissioner will examine an application
from elders in the Katherine region to establish a new land council in the Northern Territory.

Traditional owners from several major clan groups in the region earlier this year asked
Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin for permission to break from the Northern Land
Council (NLC).

They claim the NLC is stifling their attempts to establish businesses on their land,
about 300km south of Darwin.

In a statement released late on Tuesday, Ms Macklin said she had referred the request
to Aboriginal Land Commissioner Howard Olney for assessment.

"Under the provisions of the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976,
I am required to make a decision on whether or not I support the establishment of this
new land council," Ms Macklin said.

She said Mr Olney's inquiry would help her make a decision about the application to
form the Katherine Regional Land Council.

"The Commissioner has been asked to consult with stakeholders, make related enquiries
and provide me with a report by July 31, 2011."

Interested parties will be able to view the report and make submissions.

Ms Macklin said land councils had significant statutory responsibilities, and that
it was essential she have access to a rigorous and transparent assessment of the proposal.

If Ms Macklin and Mr Olney support the establishment of a new land council, the matter
will then be referred to the Australian Electoral Commission and will require at least
55 per cent of the local community's support to go ahead.

AAP lcs/apm

KEYWORD: COUNCIL

� 2011 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.

McAfee Offers Tips for Securing New Devices

Wireless News
01-20-2011
McAfee Offers Tips for Securing New Devices
Type: News

McAfee Lab announced it predicts an increase in mobile, social media and PC-based threats in 2011, with cybercrooks finding new ways to do harm via all types of connected devices.

According to a release from McAfee, here are some practical tips from McAfee to ensure optimal Internet safety and security in 2011:
-Be aware that threats aimed at mobile phones are growing - Use software that backs up smart devices and use strong discretion when storing, saving or editing personal information on your smartphone or device. Don't keep all of your personal passwords on your device, and avoid using it to store financial information like credit card and bank account numbers.

-Keep in mind that gaming and entertainment devices are now Internet-connected - Many people don't realize that their new gaming console may represent another port of entry for cybercrooks into their household. Some Internet TV applications can expose personal information, so be sure to install anti-virus software, two-way firewalls, anti-spyware, anti-phishing, and safe search capabilities, just as you would on a PC. Block free browser access via these devices and use parental controls wherever possible to ensure the safety of children who play interactive games.

-Use technologies to protect information on USBs - Secure USB sticks by encrypting information, making it unreadable to someone who has taken or found it. In addition, install security software to protect portable hard drive devices and never leave such devices unattended.

-Make sure that you are using a comprehensive security software platform for your PC- Free point solutions may work well for specific concerns and known threats, but it won't protect you against emerging threats and is usually only being offered to get you to buy more comprehensive software.Rather than going with the cheapest solution on the market, research the capabilities of your security software package to ensure that it is comprehensive - meaning it has anti-virus with cloud computing, a two-way firewall, anti-spyware, anti-phishing and safe search capabilities.

-Free anti-virus software doesn't provide complete protection - These products typically deliver only basic level protection and aren't up-to-date with the most recent or emerging threats. Install security software that provides protection using cloud computing, since multiple servers can provide current data and resources on- demand.

-Make sure to transfer your PC best practices to all of your Internet-connected devices - If you have an Apple device, Apple's MobileMe service is available, providing tools for synching, backing up and securing data. Consider installing security software for new Internet connected devices such as smartphones, and make sure the device's Wi-Fi is connected to a secure network.

-Pay attention to your children's online activities - Communicate with children about cybercrimes, monitor their web activity and consider keeping the family computer in a common space to minimize their exposure to inappropriate content.

-Search and shop safely - Before submitting credit card numbers or other personal information, always read the online vendor's privacy and security policy. Consider using a trusted website safety advisor, such as McAfee SiteAdvisor software, included in all of McAfee consumer security suites, to determine which ecommerce sites are safe. Also, look for the McAfee SECURE trustmark before heading to the check-out counter.

-Back up critical information - Guard against data loss by utilizing a regular back-up software program to ensure that all critical information and personal files are safe in case of emergency.

More information:

www.mcafee.com

((Comments on this story may be sent to newsdesk@closeupmedia.com))

Copyright 2011 Close-Up Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
n/a

FED:SA govt better with indep deal: Rann=2

AAP General News (Australia)
08-22-2010
FED:SA govt better with indep deal: Rann=2

Associate Professor Haydon Manning, of Flinders University's politics department, said
he was not sure that what had worked for Mr Rann would translate to the federal arena.

"I don't know how big the analogies are between the state situation and the federal,"

Prof Manning told AAP.

"He did manage to bring stability to the government here and he worked it very well.

"I am not sure a national government can cope for very long being on a knife edge in
terms of numbers on the floor of parliament.

"Besides the policy issues of the day, and the senate being hostile to an Abbott government,
you've got other issues of MPs being sick and not being able to get to parliament.

"I see a very rocky road ahead, quite frankly," he said.

AAP lk/was/jl

KEYWORD: POLL10 RANN WRAP 2 ADELAIDE (REOPENS)

� 2010 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.

NSW: Jail term doubled for driver who ran down people

AAP General News (Australia)
04-15-2010
NSW: Jail term doubled for driver who ran down people

A drunk driver .. who injured seven bystanders after deliberately driving his car into
them .. has had his jail term more than doubled on appeal.

36-year-old SIMON JOHN HUNTER was originally jailed for two years and three months
.. with a non-parole period of 18 months.

But the New South Wales Court of Criminal Appeal has increased his term to four years
and eight months .. with a minimum term of three-and-a-half years.

In March 2008 .. HUNTER drove his rented car into a group of people outside the Terrigal
Bakery on the Central Coast .. believing they'd been responsible for assaulting his friend.

HUNTER recorded a blood-alcohol reading of 0.195 .. almost four times the legal limit.

In allowing the crown appeal .. the court today said the sentencing judge had seemed
to pay scant regard to the seriousness of the victims' injuries.

AAP RTV mss/wjf/ajw/

KEYWORD: HUNTER (SYDNEY)

2010 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.

Fed: Abbott wins ballot =3

AAP General News (Australia)
12-01-2009
Fed: Abbott wins ballot =3

Mr Abbott had 35 votes in the first round of voting to Mr Turnbull's 26 and Mr Hockey's 23.

MORE cb/jlw

KEYWORD: LIBERALS RESULT 3 CANBERRA

2009 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.

NSW: Hardie's should open books to independent scrutiny: unions

AAP General News (Australia)
04-23-2009
NSW: Hardie's should open books to independent scrutiny: unions

SYDNEY, April 23 AAP - James Hardie should open its books to independent scrutiny to
prove it cannot contribute to its asbestos compensation fund, unions say.

James Hardie says its Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund (AICF), backed by the NSW
government, was likely to face a shortfall over the next two years.

The fund issued a formal notification to James Hardie and to the NSW government warning
of the shortfall, and calling for discussions on alternative funding.

The building products manufacturer said it would take part in discussions but could
not afford to contribute more than its obligations under the current funding agreement.

But the ACTU and Unions NSW issued a joint statement saying they were disappointed
by James Hardie's announcement.

They now want a meeting with James Hardie to be briefed on the financial position of the company.

"It is our experience that this company has not always been totally forthcoming in
its dealings on matters relating to the compensation of victims of asbestos-related diseases,"

ACTU assistant secretary Geoff Fary said.

"We call upon James Hardie to open its books for independent scrutiny to justify its claims."

Unions NSW secretary Mark Lennon said asbestos victims should not be disadvantaged
because of the "gyrations of the international financial markets".

Mr Lennon said it was in the victims' best interests for James Hardie to remain a profitable
business, able to meet its obligation to victims for many years to come.

AAP nr/hn/ht/mn

KEYWORD: JAMES HARDIE FUND UNIONS

2009 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.

Vic: Protesters taunt Holding over desalination plant

AAP General News (Australia)
12-18-2008
Vic: Protesters taunt Holding over desalination plant

WONTHAGGI, Vic, Dec 18 AAP - Victorian Water Minister Tim Holding had to dodge demonstrators
to inspect progress on a multi-billion dollar desalination plant on the state's south-east
coast.

About 30 protesters tried to box in Mr Holding as he left the facility at Wonthaggi on Thursday.

The protesters, armed with placards and black balloons - representing the plant's
carbon emissions - rallied around Mr Holding's car shouting "shame Holding shame" and
"Get a water tank you little shit".

Mr Holding was inspecting a seawater sampling unit, installed this week as part of
the preliminary testing works for the project.

He said the desalination plant, which will generate 150 billion litres of water every
year, was vitally important to Victoria.

"The truth is that we do need a non-rainfall dependence source of water if we're to
have water security for Victoria and that's why this project's so important," Mr Holding
said.

"We'd say to the protesters we respect their right to protest, I've met with them on
several occasions, I've heard their perspective, they've heard the reasons why the government
needs to continue with this project and ultimately they'll make their own decision as
to how long they want to continue their campaign for."

Desalination opponent Jessica Harrison said the protesters would fight to the end and
their resolve was only growing stronger.

She said in today's era of climate change the government should be investing in rainwater
harvesting and water tanks rather than selling water assets off to multinational companies.

"Any little bit of green energy should be used to reduce our carbon emissions not to
feed an energy guzzling water factory," Ms Harrison said.

The seawater testing unit will help the short listed bidders - AquaSure and BassWater
- develop tender submissions for constructing the plant, which was initially estimated
to cost $3.1 billion.

The submissions are due in March and the successful bidder will be announced in mid 2009.

"The consortia, the two bidders, will be able to use this seawater sampling unit to
gain important information about the water temperature, about its turbidity, about a whole
lot of different factors which can affect in turn the technology they use for their submissions
to government," Mr Holding said.

AAP cmb/szp/gfr/it/bwl

KEYWORD: WATER VIC

2008 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.

NSW: No motive found for brutal killing of Croydon woman

AAP General News (Australia)
08-13-2008
NSW: No motive found for brutal killing of Croydon woman

SYDNEY, Aug 13 AAP - Police say they have yet to find the motive for the brutal murder
of a woman whose body was found by a family member in her Sydney home yesterday.

The body of the 56-year-old was found in her Croydon home at 3pm (AEST) yesterday,
with police saying she had suffered severe head injuries.

Superintendent Rodney Smith from Burwood police today made a public appeal for information
about the woman's death, saying the investigation was focusing on events leading up to
the family's gruesome discovery.

"The early indications are that the last time she was seen alive was yesterday morning,"

Superintendent Smith said.

"We are looking for anybody who has information between yesterday morning and yesterday
afternoon.

"Why she was murdered is unknown at this stage."

Supt Smith said police had set up a crime scene surrounding the Fitzroy Street house,
and were already canvassing neighbours in the area.

He would not elaborate on the extent of the woman's injuries, saying police were still
waiting for the results of the post-mortem examination.

Investigation of the crime scene was ongoing, he said.

He could not say if there were any signs of a break-in.

Anyone with information about the woman's death is urged to contact Crimestoppers on
1800 333 000.

AAP ab/dg/wjf/maur/bwl

KEYWORD: HEAD 2ND DAYLEAD

2008 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.

Vic: Changes needed to keep eyes down, bingo report says

AAP General News (Australia)
04-03-2008
Vic: Changes needed to keep eyes down, bingo report says

By Kate Lahey

MELBOURNE, April 3 AAP - The Victorian bingo industry is in decline, unable to compete
with poker machines and in need of new rules to keep it attractive to punters, Victoria's
gaming office says.

The once-popular game has been unable to adapt to keep players interested because,
despite its "low-risk" nature, it is one of the most strictly regulated forms of gambling
in Victoria, according to the office's report.

The Victorian Office of Gaming and Racing today released a report on bingo that recommends
an increase in the size of an allowable prize jackpot, dropping a requirement on recording
the names of winners and allowing nursing homes to run bingo games without a permit.

The report, Bingo: Proposals for Regulatory Reform, says total returns to bingo permit
holders decreased by 22 per cent between 2003 and 2006 and demand for bingo fell 28 per
cent between 2001 and 2006.

"It is likely that bingo is losing market share to other forms of gambling, such as
electronic gaming machines, wagering and even trade promotion lotteries," the report says.

"Many of these other forms of gambling involve faster play, more immediate outcomes,
broader game varieties and bigger prizes.

"It may be also that bingo has become stale and lacks the flexibility - in rules and
form of play - to reverse the downward trend in demand."

The report says gaming machines in particular contributed to the bingo downturn, with
a significant number of bingo centres closing since their introduction.

Among the proposed changes, not-for-profit bingo would be allowed in nursing homes
as a form of entertainment, without requiring a gaming permit or a declaration that the
home is a charitable organisation.

Other changes include allowing new versions of the game and the introduction of paperless
bingo, played with a hand-held electronic device.

Also, all winnings over $1,000 would be paid by cheque, the $10,000 cap on gross receipts
and jackpot prizes would be removed, and the restriction on the number of bingo sessions
held at any one venue in a week would be removed.

The proposed changes have been released for public comment and are available at www.justice.vic.gov.au.

AAP kl/pmu/jl/cdh

KEYWORD: BINGO

2008 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.

Qld: Man terrorising Brisbane shop assistants

AAP General News (Australia)
12-01-2007
Qld: Man terrorising Brisbane shop assistants

Police are searching for a man believed to be responsible for fondling several female
shop assistants in inner-Brisbane over the last year.

Police say the man had asked attendants at female clothing stores in Brisbane's CBD
and in the wider Brisbane area to select or try on an item of clothing for his girlfriend
or female friend.

He allegedly indecently assaults the women under the guise of adjusting the clothing.

The first incident was reported late last year.

Police have launched Operation Tennessee in a bid to catch the offender.

He is of Asian appearance .. in his early 20s .. about 170cm tall .. with a medium
stocky build .. and has occasionally been seen dressed in business attire .. and holding
a motorcycle helmet.

AAP RTV nt/wz

KEYWORD: FONDLE (BRISBANE)

2007 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.

Yahoo Faces Suit over Chinese Operations

RENEE MONTAGNE
Morning Edition (NPR)
04-19-2007
Yahoo Faces Suit over Chinese Operations

Host: RENEE MONTAGNE
Time 11:00-12:00 PM

Play Audio


RENEE MONTAGNE, host:

Our business news starts with a human rights group suing Yahoo.

The World Organization for Human Rights U.S.A. has accused the Internet pioneer of providing information to the Chinese government that led to the arrest and torture of dissidents. Yahoo, Google, Microsoft and other American technology companies who do business in China all have signed a pledge to abide by the country's censorship laws.

One U.S. corporation, Cisco Systems, has been criticized for selling equipment that allows China to block access to many Internet sites. In a lawsuit filed yesterday, the American human rights group says the data Yahoo provided helped Chinese authorities track down pro-democracy activists. A spokesman for Yahoo said the company has no choice but to comply with China's censorship laws or its employees would face civil or criminal penalties.


Copyright 2005 National Public Radio, Inc.. All rights reserved.

Qld: Man 'set cars alight' in front of ex's house

AAP General News (Australia)
12-18-2006
Qld: Man 'set cars alight' in front of ex's house

A man's expected to appear in a Brisbane court today .. accused of setting fire to
two cars outside his ex-partner's house.

Police say witnesses saw a man standing watch over a burning car before he set a second
car alight in front of a home in Brighton .. in Brisbane's north .. last night.

Dog squad officers later found a 38-year-old man allegedly in possession of a fuel tin.

He'll face the Sandgate Magistrates Court .. charged with arson and using a telecommunications
device to threaten or harass.

Police allege he sent a threatening text message to his ex-partner.

AAP RTV rm/drp/jmt

KEYWORD: CARS (BRISBANE)

2006 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.

Fed: Pro-cloning scientist could address cabinet

AAP General News (Australia)
08-10-2006
Fed: Pro-cloning scientist could address cabinet

CANBERRA, Aug 10 AAP - Prime Minister John Howard has not ruled out allowing his scientific
adviser to speak to cabinet about embryonic stem cells even though their views differ.

Chief Scientist Jim Peacock yesterday urged coalition MPs to vote for change, warning
the prime minister's "cautious approach" to stem cell research could prevent a scientific
breakthrough.

"My personal view is with appropriate rules and regulations it is something we should
be doing," he told The Australian at the launch of National Science Week yesterday.

Present laws allow spare IVF embryos to be used in research but ban therapeutic cloning.

In June, cabinet ruled against changing the law despite an independent committee's
report that recommended allowing scientists to harvest embryos for the purpose of producing
stem cells.

But following a backbench revolt, Mr Howard said he would allow a party room debate,
and earlier this week said a special meeting would he held in the next fortnight to discuss
the issue.

Mr Howard today said he liked and respected Dr Peacock but it was not normal protocol
to allow direct addresses to cabinet.

"But I'm not frightened to hear his views and I'm sure I'll have an opportunity in
different ways to talk to him about it," he said.

"But I don't want that answer to be taken as a commitment (that) yes we will have him
address cabinet."

Mr Howard said Dr Peacock had formed his opinion from a totally scientific point of view.

"And I respect that," he said.

"Our disposition is, as you know, that I am going to have a discussion in the party
room and let everybody have a go and express their views on it.

"I understand the sensitivities, but I also understand we are dealing with a fairly
important fundamental issue and I would always want to take, as I always do, the counsel
of my parliamentary colleagues."

There is widespread support for a conscience vote to be held on the issue, including
among Labor and some Liberal backbenchers.

Australian Democrats senator Natasha Stott Despoja has said if the prime minister does
not bring the issue to parliament, she will facilitate the debate by introducing a private
member's bill supporting embryonic stem cell research.

Meanwhile, Mr Howard would not say if he discussed embryonic stem cells with Family
First Senator Steve Fielding at a meeting today.

AAP jb/sb/jt/jlw

KEYWORD: STEMCELLS

) 2006 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.

NSW: Triathlete awarded $1.75m for bodysurfing accident

AAP General News (Australia)
04-04-2006
NSW: Triathlete awarded $1.75m for bodysurfing accident

By Vera Devai

SYDNEY, April 4 AAP - A champion triathlete crippled when he hit underwater stormwater
pipes while bodysurfing at a Sydney beach wants the fixtures removed or carry warning
signs.

Glenn Bennett, 26, today successfully sued Manly Council and Sydney Water Corporation
for $1.75 million after the bodysurfing accident at Manly in October 2000.

In the NSW Supreme Court today, Justice John Hislop found Mr Bennett was partially
responsible for the accident because he had been swimming outside the flags, and knew
the stormwater pipes were there.

"The total damages were agreed at $3,500,000 (but) after deduction for contributory
negligence of 50 per cent (Mr Bennett) is entitled to a verdict of $1,750,000," Justice
Hislop said.

Mr Bennett, who was the junior world triathlon champion at the time of the accident,
is now an incomplete quadriplegic, meaning he has no use of his legs and minimal arm movement.

Outside the court today, he told reporters he feared someone else would be injured
in the same way.

"I just hope that the council and water board take into consideration the problem with
the pipes," he said.

"At high tide they are extremely hard to see, so yes, there is a high possibility it
will happen to someone else.

"As far as I understand there are still no warning signs of the pipes, so hopefully
something will happen with that. Either they will take the pipes away, or sign them."

Mr Bennett's head struck one of two pipes that are 61cm in diameter and extend from
Manly Beach into the water. He broke his neck in four places.

The court today upheld Mr Bennett's claim that Manly Council and Sydney Water were
negligent for not having sign-posted the pipes or done a risk assessment.

But Mr Bennett, of Hornsby, said the victory was bitter-sweet.

"I've won the case but no matter how much money I get, I will still be in a wheelchair
for the rest of my life," he said.

"So you can look at it as a victory of sorts but I'm still in a wheelchair."

Comment was being sought from Sydney Water and Manly Council.

AAP ved/was/tnf/nf

KEYWORD: BENNETT LEAD (PIX AVAILABLE)

2006 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.

Fed: Extra U2 concerts in Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland

AAP General News (Australia)
12-06-2005
Fed: Extra U2 concerts in Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland

U2 have added a second Sydney .. Melbourne and Auckland show after tickets for the
first concerts have sold out in record time.

Tickets for the upcoming Australian and New Zealand leg of the band's Vertigo Tour
sold out in just a few hours yesterday.





The group will now play Auckland's Ericsson Stadium on March 17th and 18th .. the Queensland
Sports and Athletics Centre on March 21st .. Melbourne's Telstra Dome on March 24th and
25th .. Adelaide's AAMI Stadium on March 28th and Sydney's Telstra Stadium on March 31st
and April 1st.

Tickets for the additional Sydney .. Melbourne and Auckland shows will go on sale on
December 12th at 9 am (local time).

AAP RTV jwm/goc/rt

KEYWORD: U2 (SYDNEY)

2005 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.

Germans fly Islam radical to Turkey to face charges

Richard Bernstein
International Herald Tribune
10-13-2004
German police arrested a Turkish Islamic radical on Tuesday and deported him to Turkey, which has sought his extradition for years for his alleged involvement in a failed terrorist attack.The police arrested Mohammed Metin Kaplan at an Internet cafe in Cologne, took him straight to an airport in nearby Dusseldorf and on Tuesday evening put him on a plane bound for Turkey, where he arrived hours later. Kaplan, widely known as the Caliph of Cologne, was the founder and chief leader of an organization, known as The Caliphate, based in Cologne, that was banned by the German government after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. The Turkish government has named him as the leader of a 1998 plot to fly an explosives-laden airplane into the mausoleum of Kamal Ataturk, the founder of modern, secular Turkey, at a ceremony at which most of the country's leaders would have been present.But Kaplan, who earlier served four years in prison in Germany for his involvement in the 1997 murder of a rival Muslim cleric, managed to avoid deportation for several years, in large part by appealing to German concerns that he would be tortured in Turkey and subject to the death penalty there. In May, however, a German court ruled that he could be deported because the Turkish government had given assurances in negotiations with the German Interior Ministry that Kaplan's rights would be respected.He was given two months to appeal that decision, and when a court in Cologne on Tuesday reaffirmed that he was eligible for extradition, he was immediately arrested and sent away.''The court said we could deport him, so we did it,'' a Cologne Foreign Office spokesperson, Inge Schurmann, said. Kaplan's deportation was the latest element in a German effort to curb activities of extremist Islamic organizations, though actual deportations have been rare. Kaplan's Caliphate, which was believed at one time to have about 12,000 members in Germany, was one of the first organizations banned after the Sept. 11 attacks, carried out by members of an Islamic group that had lived quietly in Hamburg for several years.Before Sept. 11, German law exempted religious organizations from the country's laws forbidding incitement to racial hatred, but the new law removed that protection, thereby enabling Germany's interior minister to ban the activities of groups like Kaplan's and several others. When he imposed the ban in December 2001, the minister, Otto Schily, cited the Caliphate's anti-Semitic and anti-Israeli declarations.The court in Cologne ruled Tuesday that Kaplan could be deported immediately, even though he still has an appeal pending in a German federal court in Leipzig. The court decided that Kaplan could await the results of that appeal outside Germany.*** Souad Mekhennet contributed reporting for this article from Frankfort.

2004 Copyright International Herald Tribune. http://www.iht.com