Britain secretly advised Libyan govt. on how to secure Lockerbie bomber's release: Wikileaks

London, Feb 1 (ANI): Secret US diplomatic cables released by the whistleblower website 'Wikileaks' have revealed that British ministers had secretly suggested ways to the Libyan government for the early and successful release of Lockerbie bomber Abdelbaset al-Megrahi.

The Telegraph quoted the cables as saying that one of UK's Foreign Office ministers had sent detailed legal advice on how to utilise al-Megrahi's cancer diagnosis to ensure his speedy release from a Scottish prison on compassionate grounds.

The Duke of York had also reportedly played crucial behind-the-scenes role in the Lockerbie bomber's release.

The revelations that the Libyans closely followed UK's advice clearly contradicts Britain's earlier claims that the decision to free him was solely taken by Scottish executives.

The Libyan was convicted of the murder of 270 passengers on Pan Am Flight 103. However, he was released on compassionate grounds last year and enjoyed a hero's welcome back home.

US politicians had criticised Prime Minister David Cameron's government over Britain's role in the scandal.

Following his release in August 2009, another American document had revealed Libyan leader Muammar al-Gaddafi's comments that indicated that Prince Andrew, the UK's trade envoy, had a role in the whole scandal.

The document records: "He [Gaddafi] went on to thank his 'friend Brown', the British Prime Minister, his government, Queen Elizabeth, and Prince Andrew, who 'against all odds encouraged this brave decision'. Gaddafi noted that the UK's efforts would positively affect 'exchange' between the two countries." (ANI)