Edward M. Kennedy
senator's office

October 5, 1999

The Honorable Madeleine Albright
Secretary of State
US Depertment of State
Washington, D.C. 20520

Dear Madam Secretary:

As the trial date for the suspects in the Pan Am 103 cases approaches, relatives of the victims have contacted us to seek reassurances that no "secret deal" was reached which would prevent the Lord Advocate, the Scottish prosecutor for the case, from pursuing evidence implicating Col. Qathafi or senior Libyan officials.

In particular, the families have expressed concern about the contents of the letter and annex that United Nations Secretary-General Annan sent Col. Qathafi last spring. The Lord Advocate told the families at a Justice Department-sponsored meeting on August 23 that "there were no deals. Libya was given no promises or inducements." He told the families that he would pursue this case as high as it went and would follow the evidence wherever it led. nevertheless, without access to the letter and annex, the relatives' doubt remain.

So that we may be able to respond to the concern of the victims' families, we would greatly appreciate a copy of, or access to, the Annan-Qathafi letter, or what is understood to be the final copy of the letter, and any documents related to the letter, such as previous drafts and annexes.

We look forward to hearing from you about this important matter.

Sincerly,

(signed)
 
Frank R. Lautenberg

Edward M. Kennedy
       
Robert G. Torricelli