New Delhi: A decision on the release of Peter Bleach, a key accused in the Purulia arms drop case, is likely soon.

The British demand for Bleach's release "is being actively considered and this would be possible", Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani told reporters after a 30-minute meeting with his British counterpart David Blunkett in New Delhi.

"We have discussed the matter with the Law Ministry and they have also said this could be possible," he said.

Asked how soon a decision could be expected, Advani said, "We will finalise it soon."

He said "one issue pending" between India and Britain was their demand for the release of British citizen Bleach. The Latvian crewmembers of the Russian plane, which dropped the arms in the Purulia district of West Bengal, have already been released.