Reaction to Libyan court ruling

Bulgaria's president hopes justice will prevail

The decision by Libya's supreme court to quash death sentences against five Bulgarian nurses and a Palestinian doctor convicted of infecting children with HIV has been welcomed by politicians in Europe and the US, but relatives of the children are still seeking justice.

The following are a selection of reactions to the court decision:

Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov

The supreme court's decision confirmed our hope that justice in this case will prevail... We hope that the quick and efficient work of the court in recent days will allow the case to be closed soon.

US state department Spokesman Justin Higgins

Our understanding is this decision is a positive development since it removes the risk of a death sentence being carried out. The international community is working with Libya to find an overall solution. As we have made clear before, we believe a way should be found to allow the medics to return to Bulgaria and Palestine.

Emma Udwin, the European Commission's external relations spokeswoman

It is good news that death sentences against the medical workers have not been confirmed. We hope today's decision can lead to a rapid and fair settlement to all concerned.

Trayan Markovski, Bulgarian defence coordinator

This is the best news we could receive on Christmas! It gives us reasons to be optimistic since we will be allowed to present new evidence on their innocence.

Tsvetanka Siropoulu, nurse's relative

I do not know what that ruling means. How can I rejoice? What's the difference - death sentences, lifetime prison terms or other verdicts - when seven years innocent people are in jail?

Mohamed Salah, father of infected child

Today's ruling delays further the final verdict on the cases and extends the suffering of the families. That verdict hurts their feelings as they see their children dying slowly.

Ramdane Fitouri, chairman of the association of the families of the infected children

There is no doubt this prolongs our suffering but today's ruling does not mean the death sentences could not be confirmed again by the lower court. The lower court has the authority to issue the death sentences again.