In a last-ditch effort to avoid a military strike, the Taliban says they are willing to detain suspected terrorist Osama bin Laden and try him under Islamic law, if the United States formally requests.

Abdul Salam Zaeef, the Taliban's ambassador to Pakistan, made the statement on Sunday.

The Taliban made a similar offer to the United States last weekend, but this time did not stipulate that evidence should first be provided.

"Under Islamic law, we can put him on trial according to allegations raised against him and then the evidence would be provided to the court. It is up to (the United States) to come to us. It is their problem," said Zaeef.

He said they have "no problem" detaining bin Laden if someone formally makes an allegation against him.

"But if we detain him without allegations, he will say to us 'Where is America? Why have you detained me?'," Zaeef added.

The U.S. rejected the offer shortly afterwards.

"The president's demands are clear and non-negotiable," said White House spokesman Scott McClellan.

He said Bush's four demands remain: turn over bin Laden; close terror training camps in Afghanistan; open the camps for inspection; turn over eight foreign aid workers being held in Kabul.