The Organisation of African Unity has joined efforts to resolve the deadlock over the trial of two Libyans accused of involvement in blowing up an American airliner over the Scottish town of Lockerbie in 1988.

The Zimbabwean foreign minister, Stan Mudenge, whose country holds the OAU presidency, has held talks in London with his British counterpart, Robin Cook.

Mr Mudenge is backing an Arab League proposal that Scottish lawyers try the case in a neutral country.

The proposal has been rejected by Britain and the United States.

A group representing the families of the Lockerbie victims has welcomed the OAU initiative.