US-British deadline to Libya criticized by victims' families, Libya and Arab League

Families of victims of the 1988 Lockerbie catastrophe criticized Saturday the US and British decision to give Libya 30 days to hand over two Libyan nationals, accused of masterminding the bombing of a Pan-Am plane over a Scottish village.

Dr. Jim Swire, spokesman of the families of British victims, said this action does not contribute to diplomatic efforts.

In Cairo, the Arab League described the deadline as "a provocation" and called the two countries to start a positive dialogue with Libyan authorities.

Assistant-secretary general of the Arab League, Ahmed Ben Hali, said the pan-Arab expects that the United States and Britain start a peaceful dialogue (with Libya) to reach a settlement, instead of brandishing threats and making provocative statements.

Washington and London threatened on Sunday to take additional sanctions in case Libya does not hand over in 30 days the two suspected men.

Libya said it cannot surrender the two men to a tribunal before reaching an agreement on arrangements for a fair trial. The Arab League supports the Libyan request for guarantees of a fair trial. The issue will top the agenda of the Arab foreign ministers' council to convene this March 17-18.