"The
United States deeply regrets the decision by the Scottish Executive to release Abdel Basset Mohamed al-Megrahi. Megrahi
was convicted and sentenced to life in prison for his role in the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103, which blew up over Scotland
on December 21, 1988."
The Lockerbie bomber, Abdelbasset Ali Mohammed al Megrahi, has been refused bail
pending an appeal, despite having advanced prostate cancer.
In a statement on behalf of Jim Swire, who's daughter died in the bombing, he said the decision
shamed Scotland.
"As we have expressed repeatedly to officials of the government
of the United Kingdom and to Scottish authorities, we continue to believe that Megrahi should serve out his sentence in Scotland."
On December 21, 1988 Pan Am Flight 103 from London to New York exploded at 31,000ft over Lockerbie, 38 minutes after
take-off from London. The 270 people on board the Boeing 747 are killed, along with 11 people on the ground.
"On this day, we extend our deepest sympathies to the families
who live every day with the loss of their loved ones. We recognize the effects of such a loss weigh upon a family forever."
Secretary of State Clinton, Attorney General Holder, the White House, and other U.S. government officials have had
extensive contacts with their counterparts in Scotland and in the United Kingdom to emphasize that we do not support the release
of Megrahi.
Clinton was instrumental by writing to Scottish Justice Minister, Kennedy MacAskill asking that al Megrahi not
be realeased from prison.
