|
|
 |
London May Expel Russian Diplomats
Britain may decide to expel Russian diplomats for the first time in a decade to protest Moscow’s refusal to extradite Andrei Lugovoi, chief suspect in the murder of former FSB agent Alexander Litvinenko, The Telegraph reported Thursday.
A former British diplomat familiar with Russia said in interview with The Telegraph that it was “entirely likely” that Britain could decide to expel a “handful” of middle- and low-ranking diplomats.
London reported Wednesday that the Litvinenko case would be taken up by the Foreign Office. A spokesman for the Foreign Office said it was reviewing its “range of co-operation” with Russia.
Britain no longer gives the Kremlin direct financial aid while British investors put more than $65 million in the country. Experts say that reducing cooperation in the business sphere will only hit British investors.
Russia and Britain were last involved in tit-for-tat ejections since 1996 when Russia expelled four diplomats accused of spying, which prompted Britain to retaliate.
A spokesman for British Prime Minister Gordon Brown rejected an offer for Andrei Lugovoi to be tried in Russia, saying Britain had no confidence in fair trials in Russia. Mr. Lugovoi said Wednesday he could not expect a fair trial in Britain. “I have no reason to trust a British court,” he said adding that public opinion has already been prejudiced by the British media.
www.kommersant.com
|
|
|
