Salmond: Scotland did not 'pass the buck' over Megrahi release
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The scottish First Minister, Alex Salmond, yesterday issued a stern admonishment to a US senator investigating the release of Lockerbie bomber Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed al-Megrahi. The US Senate Foreign Affairs Committee is investigating whether BP lobbied for his release to help get a $900m (£565m) oil exploration agreement with Libya off the ground.
In a terse letter to Senator Robert Menendez, Mr Salmond denied that Scotland had passed the buck on the release of Megrahi. He said: "You and some of your senatorial colleagues have suggested that the Scottish government have sought to pass responsibility to others for the release of Megrahi. That is simply not the case." He also refuted speculation that the motive for Megrahi's release was less than pure, saying: "Please do not ascribe to the Scottish government economic or commercial motives for this decision when there is no evidence whatsoever for such a claim."
Mr Salmond said it was "puzzling" that the Committee chose not to offer former Prime Minister Tony Blair the chance to give evidence. Megrahi is the only person convicted of the 1988 plane bombing in which 270 people were killed.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments