N.Y., N.J. senators to meet with Cameron

The four senators who represent New York and New Jersey will meet with British Prime Minister David Cameron Tuesday to voice their concerns about the release of the Lockerbie bomber from prison. 

The senators have sought to press the U.S. and U.K. governments on charges that BP pressured the British government to release the Libyan bomber, Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed al-Megrahi, in order to improve its chances of obtaining an oil deal with his home country. 

Cameron's office extended an invitation to the senators Tuesday after reportedly rebuffing the lawmakers because of scheduling restraints. 

Sen. Frank Lautenberg's (D-N.J.) office said his colleagues and he will meet with Cameron at the British ambassador's residence in Washington on Tuesday evening. The New Jersey senator served on a panel that investigated the 1988 Pan Am flight 103 bombing that killed all 243 passengers on board, most of whom were Americans. 

“I look forward to meeting with Prime Minister Cameron to discuss my request for an investigation into the release of the Lockerbie bomber,” Lautenberg said.  “Our countries share a strong bond and a long history of pursuing justice, yet the circumstances surrounding the early release of Mr. Megrahi are deeply troubling and demand a full review.  I’ve stood by the Pan Am 103 families since 1988, and I will continue to fight for them until justice is served.”

The senators requested a meeting from Cameron on Monday and have called on the British government to investigate the circumstances surrounding al-Megrahi's 2009 release, which was officially granted because doctors predicted he had three months to live due to his cancer diagnosis.  

"We are glad the Prime Minister has agreed to meet with us. We plan to ask him to have the UK do a complete investigation and bring al-Megrahi back to justice," Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) said in a statement.