Schumer Calls For New U.S. Sponsored U.N. Resolution Condemning Gross "Welcome Home" Celebration Held For Released Libyan Terrorist

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Schumer Makes Direct Appeal to UN Ambassador Susan Rice Urging Her to Introduce New Resolution Condemning Outrageous Ceremony and Asking for an Apology Before General Assembly Next Month

Thousands Greeted and Cheered Convicted Terrorist after He Was Released by the Scottish Government- Escorted by the Son of Libyan Leader Moammar Gadhafi

Schumer Was Part Bi-Partisan Group of Senators Opposing the Release of al-Megrahi - Release Was An Outrage

In the wake of international outrage following the release of convicted Lockerbie bomber Abdel Baset al-Megrahi, Senator Charles E. Schumer urged U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice to introduce a new resolution condemning the lavish “Welcome Home” ceremony held yesterday in Tripoli and asking the Libyan government to apologize. Megrahi, the only man convicted for taking part in the bombing of Pan Am flight 103 on December 21, 1988, was released by the Scottish Government earlier this week as a compassionate gesture given Megrahi's failing health. Thousands of young men gathered waved banners at Tripoli airport to greet Megrahi after he was escorted from prison by one of the Libyan leader's sons, Seif al-Islam el-Qaddafi, who grasped Mr. Megrahi's hand and waved it in the air. Schumer asked Rice to introduce the resolution and push for a swift vote before the UN General Assembly meets in New York City next month.

“If Libya wants to be embraced by the international community, embracing convicted terrorists is not the way to do it. In fact, it's revolting to me, to the victims' families, and to all New Yorkers. The Libyans have insulted all the nations of the world who reject terrorism and it is now time for the international community to respond with one voice.

In response to the celebration, Schumer made a direct appeal to the United States Ambassador to the United Nations, Susan Rice, asking her to immediately introduce a new resolution condemning the Libyans for holding this celebration and demanding an apology, and to use all our country's clout to get it passed. Schumer asked her to introduce this resolution as quickly as possible and have it passed before the General Assembly convenes here in New York next month.

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