London, Nov 19 (IANS) The son Osama bin Laden favoured to carry on his work says he would like to work for the United Nations instead — as a peace campaigner.
In a magazine interview published Thursday following launch of a book about him, Omar bin Laden - the fourth eldest son of the Al Qaeda leader - also reveals an abortive bid by his father to get him to take up arms.

Asked if he plans to enter politics, Omar says: “I do not believe that I would be a good politician - I have a habit of speaking the truth, even when it does not serve me well. But I would like to be in a position to promote peace. I believe that the United Nations would be ideal for me.”

He told the New Statesman that his father asked him and his brothers to take up arms - “only once, at a meeting with his father”.

“His sons were in attendance, although none of us was a fighter. He spoke of how it is a great honour to live one’s life for Islam and said anyone who wanted to give their life should put their name on a paper in the mosque.

“He never asked me to join Al Qaeda, but he did tell me I was the son chosen to carry on his work. He was disappointed when I said I was not suited to that life. I do not like disagreement or violence.”

Omar’s book, “Growing Up Bin Laden: Osama’s Wife And Son Take Us Inside Their Secret World” - co-authored with his mother Najwa and bestselling writer Jean Sasson, was published last month.

Omar ended contact with his father, the world’s most wanted man, in April 2001.