Accessibility links

Breaking News

British PM Orders Review on Lockerbie Bomber's Release


British Prime Minister David Cameron has ordered a review of his government's documentation on the release of the Lockerbie bomber after meeting with U.S. President Barack Obama.

Mr. Cameron on Tuesday asked his Cabinet secretary to consider releasing additional information from an earlier investigation of Libyan Abdel Baset al-Megrahi's release. However, the prime minister said he would not open a new probe.

During his first official visit to the White House, Mr. Cameron rejected U.S. calls for an investigation into whether oil giant BP advocated for the bomber's release. He said there is no sign British-based BP lobbied authorities to release al-Megrahi to go home to Libya.

Scotland's most senior politician said Wednesday the oil giant had nothing to do with the bomber's release. Some U.S. senators have accused BP of pushing officials to free al-Megrahi to protect a business deal with Libya.

Both Mr. Obama and Mr. Cameron condemned Scotland's release last year of the bomber, and the British leader said the decision to free him was solely Scotland's – not the British government's. He said al-Megrahi had no business being let out of jail.

The prime minister also said he understands American anger about the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP, and Reuters.

XS
SM
MD
LG