For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
March 14, 2002
Statement on Pan Am 103 Verdict
Statement by the Press Secretary
Pan Am 103 Verdict
The United States Government welcomes the decision of the Scottish
High Court of Justiciary sitting in the Netherlands to uphold the
conviction of Abdel Al-Megrahi. We reiterate the need for
the Government of Libya to move quickly to satisfy its remaining
obligations under UN Security Council resolutions related to the
bombing of Pan Am Flight 103. The completion of the appeal does not
end UN sanctions against Libya, but should spur Libya to take quick
action to fully comply with the requirements of the UN Security
Council.
We again express our deepest sympathy to the families of those lost
in the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103. As we have stated
previously, nothing can undo the suffering this act of terrorism has
caused. However, we hope that all of those who lost
loved-ones in this tragic attack will find some solace in the measure
of justice achieved by today's decision.
This decision affirming the conviction of a Libyan agent for the
bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 represents a vindication of efforts by
successive U.S. administrations. It also underlines the
unshakable 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
prosecution team and his thanks to the Dutch Government for its
assistance and to the entire United States Government team who
contributed to this outcome.
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