Megrahi Release 'Linked To Trade Deal'

[Renae]

The release of Lockerbie bomber Abdel Baset al Megrahi was linked to trade deals with Britain, the son of Libyan leader Colonel Gaddafi has said.
Speaking on Libyan television, Seif al Islam claimed Britain's then prime minister, Tony Blair, raised Megrahi's case each time he visited Libya.
"In all commercial contracts, for oil and gas with Britain, (Megrahi) was always on the negotiating table," Islam told channel Al Mutawassit.
He also branded the 57-year-old's liberation a "victory" for all Libyans.

Lockerbie Bomber Release Linked To Trade Deal With Britain, Says Colonel Gaddafi's Son | World News | Sky News

... So much for "Compassion"

 

[Renae]

Lockerbie Bomber Release Linked To Trade Deal With Britain, Says Colonel Gaddafi's Son | World News | Sky News

... So much for "Compassion"

New info

Britain's leaders faced new pressure Saturday to explain any role they might have had in the release of the Lockerbie bomber after Libya's leader Moammar Gadhafi credited senior officials and members of the royal family for influencing the decision.
Britain has condemned the scenes of jubilation in Tripoli at the return of Abdel Baset al-Megrahi and has considered canceling a royal visit to Libya as a sign of displeasure.
But opposition leaders say comments from Gadhafi's son - who said the release was often brought up during trade talks - should be examined.
"It is very important, I think, for the reputation of our institutions of justice that it is made clear beyond any doubt that this was not connected with some political trade," David Lidington, the Conservative Party's spokesman on foreign affairs, told the BBC.

My Way News - Britain under pressure amid Lockerbie release

But the speculation about the role played by London has been fuelled by the disclosure that Business Secretary Peter Mandelson met Seif al-Islam this month during a holiday on the Greek island of Corfu.
Mandelson confirmed Saturday that Islam had raised the issue of Megrahi. But he said the issue of his release was "entirely a decision for the Scottish justice minister, that's how it was left, that's how it was well understood."
Now that the decision had been made it was not London's role to "second guess" it, he added.
Rosemary Hollis, a Middle East specialist from City University in London, said Kadhafi senior clearly thought Britain was behind the decision.
"Colonel Kadhafi himself said thank you to Queen Elizabeth and Gordon Brown. How is he supposed to understand that the Scottish system was entirely in charge of what happened? It is a little difficult to believe," she told Sky News.

AFP: Govt under scrutiny over role in Lockerbie release