Libya confirms talks to resolve AIDS crisis

TRIPOLI (AFP) - Libya on Sunday confirmed that talks were under way to reach a deal that could save five Bulgarians and a Palestinian doctor from the death penalty and bring medical help to children they are accused of infecting with HIV.

"Negotiations and discussions are under way with a view to a solution that is satisfactory to all parties, once the Libyan judiciary has made its final verdict," said a foreign ministry statement.

The six medics are currently awaiting a final verdict on their appeal against a death sentence first handed down in May 2004 after they were convicted of infecting 438 children with tainted blood at a Benghazi hospital.

Sunday's declaration came after families of the infected children said on Thursday that they had reached an agreement with British Prime Minister Tony Blair to resolve the matter "that will satisfy all parties and put an end to the crisis."

Blair visited Tripoli last Tuesday and met a delegation of families.

"We told Blair that time was no longer on the side of any party, especially the Libyan children for medical reasons," families' spokesman Idriss Lagha said on Thursday.

"To reach a settlement will guarantee the life of the Bulgarian nurses, but we also want guarantees from the international community for the life of our infants," he said.

Sunday's statement also came in response to US President George Bush's declaration on Friday that Washington was committed to helping free the nurses.