Gadhafi wants improved U.S. relations

NEW YORK, Sept. 25 (UPI) -- Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi says the release of Pan Am Flight 103 bomber Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed al-Megrah will allow U.S.-Libyan relations to move forward.

In an interview with The Wall Street Journal in New York, where he addressed the U.N. General Assembly this week, Gadhafi said he understands Americans' anger toward him but wants to rebuild diplomatic relations with the United States during the administration of President Barack Obama. The Libyan strongman said he wanted to consign his country's long-running disputes with the United States to the past.

Gadhafi denied his government intentionally fanned the hero's welcome home afforded al-Megrahi, who was convicted of the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, killing 270 people, the Journal said. Al-Megrahi, who has cancer, was released by Scottish authorities last month on compassionate grounds over U.S. objections.

Gadhafi said al-Megrahi's release came through proper legal channels

"As a case, the Lockerbie question: I would say it's come to an end, legally, politically, financially, it is all over," Gadhafi said. "I would say, thank Allah that this problem has been solved to the satisfaction of all parties. We all feel the pain for such a tragedy."