08-22-2009, 05:09 AM
<b>Megrahi Release 'Linked To Trade Deal</b>'<!--QuoteBegin-->QUOTE<!--QuoteEBegin-->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.
<b>"In all commercial contracts, for oil and gas with Britain, (Megrahi) was always on the negotiating table,"</b> Islam told channel Al Mutawassit.
<b>He also branded the 57-year-old's liberation a "victory" for all Libyans.</b>
But a spokesperson for the Foreign Office has insisted: "There is no deal.
"All decisions relating to Megrahi's case have been made exclusively by the Scottish Ministers, The Crown office in Scotland, and the Scottish Judicial Authorities.
<b>"No deal has been made between the UK Government and Libya in relation to Megrahi and any commercial interests in the country</b>."<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Speaking on Libyan television, Seif al Islam claimed Britain's then prime minister, Tony Blair, raised Megrahi's case each time he visited Libya.
<b>"In all commercial contracts, for oil and gas with Britain, (Megrahi) was always on the negotiating table,"</b> Islam told channel Al Mutawassit.
<b>He also branded the 57-year-old's liberation a "victory" for all Libyans.</b>
But a spokesperson for the Foreign Office has insisted: "There is no deal.
"All decisions relating to Megrahi's case have been made exclusively by the Scottish Ministers, The Crown office in Scotland, and the Scottish Judicial Authorities.
<b>"No deal has been made between the UK Government and Libya in relation to Megrahi and any commercial interests in the country</b>."<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->