Libya must compensate Lockerbie families: Bush

The American government praised the upholding of Lockerbie bomber Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed Al Megrahi’s conviction and said Libya now had to pay compensation to his victims.

President George Bush’s spokesman, Ari Fleischer, said the US now expected Libya to acknowledge its role in the bombing to pave the way for normalised relations between the two nations.

But he said the case still remained open and if new information emerged on other potential suspects, it would be investigated.

Speaking at the White House, Mr Fleischer said: ‘‘We reiterate the need for the government of Libya to move quickly to satisfy its remaining obligations under United Nations Security Council resolutions related to the bombing of PanAm flight 103.

‘‘The completion of the appeal does not end United States sanctions against Libya but should spur Libya to take quick action to fully comply with the requirements of the United Nations Security Council.’’

Mr Fleischer said the American government hoped the families of the Lockerbie victims would be satisfied by today’s ruling.

‘‘We again express our sympathy to the families of those who lost their lives in PanAm flight 103,’’ he said.

‘‘As we have stated previously, nothing can undo the suffering that this act of terrorism has cost, however we hope that for all those who lost loved ones in this tragic accident, they will find solace in the measure of justice achieved in today’s decision.’’

And Mr Fleischer linked the decision to the American war on terrorism started in the wake of the September 11 terror attacks.

‘‘This decision affirming the conviction of a Libyan agent for the bombing of PanAm flight 103 represents a vindication of efforts by successive United States administrations,’’ he said.

‘‘It also underlines the unshakeable determination of the United States not to forget but to hold terrorists accountable for their acts.

‘‘The president also renews his congratulations to the Scottish prosecuting team and his thanks to the Dutch government for their assistance and to the entire United States government team which contributed to its outcome.’’

The spokesman said the case was still not regarded as closed by the American government and added: ‘‘The case remains an open case and the United States government will continue to pursue any leads as appropriate which will develop.’’

Mr Fleischer said Libyan government lawyers were talking to the families of those killed in the bombing.

‘‘They need to pay all the appropriate compensation to the families,’’ he said.

‘‘They have to acknowledge the responsibility in this matter and to pay the reparations as negotiated.

‘‘These are their obligations that they have to fulfil under the United Nations Security Council resolutions.

‘‘The discussions of the exact amount that need to be paid, that is a matter between the families and Libyan authorities.’’