Consul confident of Scots justice

A second appeal is expected to be heard next year

The US Consul General in Edinburgh has voiced her faith in the Scots judicial system to handle the appeal of the man convicted of the Lockerbie bombing.

Lisa Vickers was visiting south west Scotland to pay tribute to the 270 victims of the 1988 disaster.

A full appeal from Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed al-Megrahi is expected to take place some time next year.

Ms Vickers said it was important for the families of the victims to be given "closure" after nearly 20 years.

She visited Lockerbie on Friday and placed a wreath at the Dryfe Lodge cemetery and memorial garden.

Of course we have full faith and confidence in the Scottish judicial system to resolve the remaining questions Lisa Vickers US Consul General

Ms Vickers said the appeal process was being watch closely in the US.

"We are looking very interestedly at what is happening with the appeal," she said.

"Of course we have full faith and confidence in the Scottish judicial system to resolve the remaining questions."

She added that it was important to everyone concerned that the legal process reached a conclusion.

"I think it is very important, everybody needs closure after a tragedy likes this and it has been almost 20 years, it's a long time," she said.

"A lot of people are still waiting for that sense of relief that comes - as much as it can ever come - from knowing that they have got the answers that they seek."