Libya denies importing scud missiles parts

Libya on Monday denied importing a consignment of scud missiles found in Gatwick Airport, outside London.

The Libyan press agency JANA, quoting the foreign office, said, "The concerned Libyan authorities received the news reports, and they might come from bodies annoyed and angered by the current cooperation between the Libyan republic and Britain."

The British customs said illegal payload was discovered after arriving on a flight abound for Tripoli via Malta.

Parts of the weapons, capable of carrying chemical and biological warheads, were discovered at the airport last November 24.

The Sunday Times claimed that the find was a "serious setback" to Libya's attempt to be rehabilitated by Europe and the United States.

Ties between Libya and Britain have been improving recently following the surrender of two Libyans, suspected of bombing a Pan-American airplane over Scotland in 1988, killing 270 people.