Schumer Calls On British Government Not To Bid On Or Accept Any Oil Contract With Libya

Press Release

In Wake of Speculation that a Secret Deal Led to the Release of the Convicted Terrorist, Schumer to Say This Is The Only Way To Remove Any Shadow Of Doubt of a Quid Pro Quo

Schumer Appeals to British Government Urging Them To Abandon Any Future Energy Contracts With Libya

Schumer Led Charge Opposing Release, Condemning Celebration Honoring Al-Megrahi's Return to Libya

In the wake of international outrage following the release of convicted Lockerbie bomber Abdel Baset al-Megrahi, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer called on the British government not to bid on or agree to any oil contract with Libya after rampant speculation that Megrahi's release was due to a secret deal between the British and Libyan governments. 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 last week as a compassionate gesture given Megrahi's failing health. Rumors are swirling that a deal was struck between the two nations that would give Great Britain the option to pursue oil contracts with Libya, which has requested Megrahi's release in previous oil contract discussions. In the past, British oil lobbyists have admitted to heavily lobbying the British government for Megrahi's release.

“If the British government wants to dispel these disturbing rumors once and for all, agreeing to Libyan oil contracts is not the way to do it,” Schumer said. “The Libyans have clearly shown their disdain for the international community by holding a welcome home ceremony for this terrorist, but it's up to the British to show the world that they reject the Libyan's foul actions. That is why I am calling on the British government not to bid on or agree to any oil contracts with Libya, this way we will all be certain that Great Britain is on the side of the international community and the families of those lost in the tragic terrorist act.”

Since the release of convicted Lockerbie bomber Abdel Baset al-Megrahi, there has been rampant speculation that the British government struck a secret deal with the Libyan government to obtain oil contracts. While there is currently no concrete evidence of a quid pro quo between Great Britain and Libya, there is significant proof that British oil companies had been lobbying vigorously for the ability to sign into oil contracts with Libya. It has been reported that the Libyan government demanded Megrahi's release when approached by British oil officials looking for oil contracts.

The oil contract speculation is another sordid detail and in already disturbing story. In response to the airport celebration last month, 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.

Source