Libya is set to flaunt the Lockerbie bomber’s release at the climax of one of this week's celebrations marking Colonel Moammar Gadhafi's 40 years in power.
The London Times gained access to the dress rehearsal of a spectacular two-hour show which extols Colonel Gadhafi for reviving his country and restoring Arab pride.
As the finale approaches, the screen at the back of the giant stage in Tripoli’s Green Square shows Abdul Baset Ali al-Megrahi stepping off the plane which brought him home from his Scottish prison two weeks ago. His arms are raised aloft by Colonel Gaddafi’s son, Saif, as he acknowledges the joyful reception from the crowd below.
Unless it is cut out at the last minute, the clip’s inclusion seems almost calculated to provoke the West. Anxious to dampen down the controversy caused by al-Megrahi’s release, Britain is expected to send only a junior representative to today’s ceremonies.
Other European states are sending ministers, ambassadors or official delegations, but the President of Malta is thought to be the only European head of state attending. However the audience will include a large number of African leaders and Venezuela’s President Hugo Chavez.
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