Lockerbie incident in a crucial phase

The Egyptian ambassador to the UN, Nabeel al-Arabai, stressed on Wednesday that three UN Security Council permanent member states promised to oppose any extension for the sanctions imposed on Libya, if the US and Britain try to extend these sanctions after handing over the two suspected Libyans.

In press statements issued on Wednesday by the Egyptian daily al-Ahram, al-Arabi said that Libya wants to be assured that when the two Libyans arrive in Holland sanctions will be finally lifted.

In New York, diplomats said that UN Secretary General Kofi Annan is embarking on preparing explanations demanded by Libya. These explanations include that the two Libyans in the case that they are sentenced can raise the case to the court of appeals before another Scottish court in Holland.

The Egyptian ambassador added the Libyans asked for explanations of statements presented by the British Foreign Ministry on Friday that UN observers can make sure that the two convicts are not to be interrogated by the British or Scottish security systems.