BP Admits Lobbying But Denies Direct Involvement In Bomber Release, Plans To Continue Libyan Drilling

Four US senators have called for an investigation into BP’s involvement in the release of Abdelbaset al-Megrahi, the convicted bomber of Pan Am Flight 103 which exploded in 1988, killing 270 people. Last night, BP released a statement on the subject. They stuck with their account they, while they did lobby for al-Megrahi’s release, they had no direct involvement with the Scottish government’s decision. They have also said that they will continue drilling in Libya, despite the senators claims that any profits made there are potentially “blood money.”

From Fox News:

“A statement from BP said: ‘It is matter of public record that in late 2007 BP told the U.K. Government that we were concerned about the slow progress that was being made in concluding a Prisoner Transfer Agreement with Libya.

‘We were aware that this could have a negative impact on U.K. commercial interests, including the ratification by the Libyan Government of BP’s exploration agreement.

‘The decision to release Mr. al Megrahi in August 2009 was taken by the Scottish Government.

‘It’s not for BP to comment on the decision of the Scottish Government. BP was not involved in any discussions with the U.K. Government or the Scottish Government about the release of Mr. al Megrahi.’”

The senators have called for BP to cease drilling in Libya while the investigation takes place. However, BP said today that they plan on continuing their work off the coast of the country in the coming weeks. In England, where the company has many ties to the nation’s wellbeing, a spokesperson for Prime Minister David Cameron claimed there were no links between BP and al-Megrahi’s release. Officials in America are not convinced with even Hillary Clinton stating that she would look into the possible connection.