The Libyan delegation in London has verified that Abdelbaset Ali Mohmad Al Megrahi is to drop his ongoing appeal to comply with the requirements that would allow him to return home to Libya to die.

"He is sick. There is no cure. He told me that he wants to die among his family and friends in his country," said Abdel Atti el-Ubaidi, leader of a Libyan delegation to London.

"He is ready to drop the appeal if he is guaranteed that he will be transferred to Libya."

On this assurance, the Libyan Government have formally applied on Megrahi's behalf to have him transferred to Libyan custody.

The Scottish Government also confirmed that although the prisoner transfer application could be made with the current appeal outstanding, proceedings will have to be dropped if a decision is to be made.

Despite the agreement being made informally between Tony Blair and Colonel Muammar Al Gadaffi in 2007, and the Scottish Government wrangling extensively with Westminster over the nuances of the prisoner transfer agreement that was created to accommodate Megrahi's transfer, the decision is not expected for a further 90 days.