WASHINGTON, D.C. (BNO NEWS) — The White House it “deeply regrets” the Scottish decision to release Abdel Basset Mohamed al-Megrahi, the dying man convicted of the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 which killed nearly 300 people.

“The United States deeply regrets the decision by the Scottish Executive to release Abdel Basset Mohamed al-Megrahi,” said Robert Gibbs, the White House spokesman. “Megrahi was convicted and sentenced to life in prison for his role in the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103, which blew up over Scotland on December 21, 1988. As we have expressed repeatedly to officials of the government of the United Kingdom and to Scottish authorities, we continue to believe that Megrahi should serve out his sentence in Scotland. On this day, we extend our deepest sympathies to the families who live every day with the loss of their loved ones. We recognize the effects of such a loss weigh upon a family forever,” Gibbs added.

The White House also said that U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Attorney General Eric Holder, the White House and other U.S. government officials have had “extensive contacts” with their counterparts in Scotland and the United Kingdom to emphasize that it does not support the release of Megrahi.