A high-level Bulgarian delegation has departed for Libya, where six Bulgarian health workers face charges of deliberately infecting hundreds of Libyan children with the virus that causes Aids.

The delegation, which was invited to Libya to take part in celebrations of the anniversary of the revolution that brought President Muammar Gaddafi to power, is headed by the chairman of the Bulgarian parliament, Ognyan Gerdzhikov.

Mr Gerdzhikov met relatives of some of the jailed health workers before his departure and is expected to bring up their case during a meeting with Mr Gadaffi.

Libyan prosecutors are demanding the death penalty for the workers; Bulgaria has repeatedly called for an independent team of experts to examine the case.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service