SECRETARY-GENERAL EXPRESSES HOPE THAT HEALING PROCESS CAN BEGIN

FOLLOWING LOCKERBIE VERDICT

Following is the text of a statement made in Stockholm today by Secretary-General Kofi Annan on the verdict in the Lockerbie trial:

This is a solemn moment.  The court has reached a verdict in a case affecting hundreds of people who have lost their loved ones in the Lockerbie bombing more than 12 years ago.  Nothing can bring back the lives of the innocent victims.

Justice has taken its course and the authority and legitimacy of the legal process must be respected.

We must also remember that this trial, which was held in accordance with international standards of criminal justice, only became possible as a result of many years of strenuous efforts of the entire international community.

I hope that with this verdict the process of healing can begin, and the relatives can move on with their lives.

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