VINEYARD HAVEN, Mass. — The Obama administration is asking that the only person convicted of the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 be returned to a Scottish prison.

John Brennan, President Barack Obama's counterterrorism adviser, told reporters today the U.S. has "expressed our strong conviction" to Libyan officials that Abdel Baset Al-Megrahi should not remain free.

Al-Megrahi was ordered in 2001 to serve 27 years in prison for the bombing over Lockerbie, Scotland, but was freed Aug. 20, 2009, on compassionate grounds. He was said to suffer from cancer and had just months to live.

The bombing killed 259 people onboard — mostly Americans — and 11 on the ground.

By The Associated Press