Letter: Libya warning

How strange that those who seek the truth over Lockerbie may find the colonel providing the pathway they need to have the legal case against Megrahi reviewed, following the withdrawal of his appeal.

This unfortunate man was convicted as having been an active member of the Libyan intelligence service. Many now believe the verdict was flawed and reached under improper political pressure from Western governments. In view of continuing obstruction from those governments of those in the West who still seek the truth, what is more appropriate than the Libyan government pursuing the issue? How sad that success would only come after Mr Megrahi's death. But at least it would lift the weight from the shoulders of his wife and family.

It is remarkable the Libyan state, which seemed to have resolved the post-Lockerbie situation to its satisfaction, in gaining the return of its convicted citizen and the resurrection of its oil industry, should now be taking the lead in an action which would require the overturning of the verdict.

While the colonel is a man whose views may easily change, he does have virtually unlimited financial resources at his disposal, and has made it clear that he wished to see the verdict overturned, claiming that it had only been reached under improper political pressure.

If such an action were to succeed it might do more harm to the reputation of the US and UK governments than all the Wikileaks documents put together. The Colonel will not have forgotten that in 1986 the USAF on the orders of President Reagan, with the active support of Lady Thatcher, attempted to assassinate him, bombing both Tripoli and Bangazi and causing the death of a number of members of his family. If he carries through with this venture he will need to be on his guard.

The world must hope that justice and truth, not violence and vengeance, win the day.

(Dr) Jim Swire

Chipping Campden

Gloucestershire