British Defense Secretary Geoff Hoon says his country is prepared to lead an international peacekeeping force in Afghanistan.
Mr. Hoon, speaking to the British Broadcasting Corporation, said he sees every advantage in one country providing the main elements for the headquarters and Britain has the experience.
He declined to confirm newspaper reports that Britain was set to send up to 10-thousand troops as part of a 50-thousand strong multi-national force.
U-S Secretary of State Colin Powell said Saturday that Britain or Germany had both offered to lead the force.
Meanwhile, Mr. Hoon says British troops would hand over Osama bin Laden to the United States if they captured him in Afghanistan on the condition he not face the death penalty.
Mr. Hoon says Britain does not extradite people to countries with the death penalty.
British special forces are in Afghanistan hunting for Mr. bin Laden alongside U-S forces.