afrol News, 6 May - The Scottish government has received an official request by the Libyan authorities for the transfer of the man convicted of the Lockerbie bombing.

The application for the transfer of Abdelbaset Ali al-Megrahi was lodged following last week's ratification of a prisoner transfer agreement by the United Kingdom and Libyan governments.

However, the Scottish officials have quashed hopes that the application will received an automtic granting, saying the matter is yet to be reviewed, with a recommendation to be made to the authorities.

Mr al-Megrahi who was convicted in 2001 of carrying out the 1988 bombing of a Pan-Am flight 103, which claimed 270 lives, had already started a second appeal against his conviction, having lost the first one.

Under the terms of the prisoner transfer agreement, it is thought the process could take about 90 days - although it could take longer if further information is required.

The 57-year-old, who is reported terminally ill with prostate cancer, is yet to conclude his appeal before five judges in Edinburgh, even though it has been reported that the Scottish system does allow a ministerial consideration while the hearing continues.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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