Libyan PM denies Lockerbie guilt

[Monkey see Monkey Do]

Relatives of the Lockerbie bombing victims voiced surprise after Libya's prime minister said his country played no part in the atrocity. Shukri Ghanem told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that damages were being paid to "buy peace" and escape sanctions.

He also denied that Libya played any part in the shooting of Pc Yvonne Fletcher in 1984 in London.

Dr Jim Swire, who lost his daughter Flora in the Lockerbie bombing, said he was confused by the comments.

"This statement appears to be extremely out of line with what Libya has been saying and doing," he said. "Libya is required by the United Nations to accept responsibility for the bombing before sanctions are withdrawn. UN sanctions have now been withdrawn of the basis that Libya has accepted responsibility."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/3515951.stm