Alleged Russian arms-dealer Viktor Bout will not be extradited from Thailand to the United States on Wednesday, Thai national radio reported with reference to the country's prime minister.
Thai English-language daily The Nation said on Tuesday that Bout, suspected by Washington of arms trafficking, would be extradited on Wednesday.
"This will not happen today. The [extradition] process must still undergo several stages," the radio quoted Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva as saying.
Former Russian army officer Viktor Bout, 44, was arrested in March 2008 on a request from the United States, which accuses him of illegally trading arms. He has denied the accusations.
Last Friday, the Thai appeals court ruled to extradite the Russian to the United States.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called the Thai court's decision politically motivated, suggesting it was made to appease Washington. He also said Moscow would seek Bout's repatriation.
MOSCOW, August 25 (RIA Novosti)
