Arab League upbeat over US-Britain approval to try Libyans in Hague

The Arab League on Monday described the American and British approval to try the two Libyans suspected of bombing a Pan Am plane over Scotland in 1988 in the Hague, Holland, under Scottish law as "a positive step."

The Arab League said it hoped that "more steps will follow to solve all pending procedure issues before reaching the trial day," said the assistant Arab League secretary general for international affairs.

The U.S. and Britain announced their agreement to a trial in Holland for the two Libyans suspected of bombing the Pan Am plane over Lockerbie, killing 270 people.

Libya has consistently refused to hand over the suspects to Britain and the US, saying that it is not linked with a repatriation accord with London and Washington. It has always claimed the innocence of its citizens and previously proposed that the trial be held in a neutral country.

For his part, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan welcomed the US - Britain offer and voiced hope that the involved parties would cooperate to reach a solution as soon as possible.