The US Justice Department welcomed a decision by the Appellate Court of Thailand to extradite Viktor Bout, a notorious arm dealer to the United States.

Bout is believed to be in violation of UNSC Resolution 1343 on the trade of blood diamonds. The USJD believes him to be a supporter of former Liberian President Charles Taylor's and is investigating his alleged involvement in illicit diamond sales, meant to fund the country's civil war.

The US also believed Bout is involved in illegal arms sale to terror groups.

"We are extremely pleased that the Appeals Court in Thailand has granted the extradition of Viktor Bout to the United States on charges of conspiring to sell weapons to a terrorist organization for use in killing Americans. We have always felt that the facts of the case, the relevant Thai law and the terms of our bilateral extradition treaty clearly supported the extradition of Mr. Bout on these charges, said Acting US Deputy Attorney General Gary G. Grindler.

"The prosecution of Viktor Bout is of utmost priority to the United States, but the criminal charges he faces are not solely an American concern. He has been sanctioned by the United Nations for alleged arms trafficking activity and support of armed conflicts in Africa."