EDINBURGH, Scotland (AP) - A Scottish court says a Libyan man found guilty of the 1988 Lockerbie bombing can drop an appeal against his conviction. The decision removes an obstacle to his release or transfer back to a prison in his homeland.

Scotland's government is deciding whether to release Abdel Baset al-Megrahi on compassionate grounds, transfer him or keep him in prison in Scotland. He has terminal prostate cancer.

People with pending legal appeals cannot be transferred to another country under British law.

Three judges ruled on Tuesday that al-Megrahi can drop his appeal, but said other legal hurdles to his possible release remain.

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