Briefly: Americas

CANADA

Court OKs extradition of France bomb suspect

OTTAWA — A Canadian judge ruled Monday that a suspect in a bombing that killed four people outside a Paris synagogue in 1980 should be extradited to France.

Justice Robert Maranger, however, told the suspect, Hassan Diab, he would not be surrendered to France for 30 days, during which time he has the right to appeal.

Mr. Diab is a Lebanese-Canadian and was arrested by Canadian police in 2008 after French judges issued an international arrest warrant for him.

The bomb, placed in a bag attached to a motorbike that was parked outside the synagogue in Rue Copernic, exploded minutes before the start of the Jewish Sabbath, just before a crowd was due to emerge from the synagogue.

Mr. Diab maintains his innocence and says the evidence is based on flawed handwriting analysis comparing his writing with that found on a Paris hotel-registration card in 1980.

BOLIVIA

Morales eases law on genetically modified food

LA PAZ — A leading opponent of genetically modified food is switching sides.

The government of President Evo Morales confirms it has sent Congress a measure to ease the use of genetically modified foods.

Until now, genetically modified seeds were allowed only for some export-oriented soy crops. Cabinet minister Carlos Romero now says the law “will be broadened to other products.” The idea is to increase food production.

For years, Mr. Morales has claimed genetically modified seeds harm the earth and require harmful chemicals. He suggested last year they might contribute to baldness.

ARGENTINA

President has wide leads in opinion polls

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