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16/07/2007
Russian diplomats expelled from UK
The government has announced that four Russian diplomats will be expelled from the country's embassy in London following Moscow's refusal to extradite the main suspect in the murder of former KGB agent Alexander Litvinenko.
Foreign Secretary David Miliband told the Commons that this was a "situation the government has not sought and does not welcome", but said that they had "no choice" but to address it.
Mr Miliband also said that co-operation with Russia on a range of issues would now be reviewed and that visa negotiations had also been suspended.
Mr Litvinenko, a fierce critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin, died in a London hospital at the end of last November, after falling ill earlier that month. A large dose of radioactive substance polonium-210 was found in his body.
Prosecutors in Britain want another former KGB officer, Andrei Lugovoi to stand trial in the UK for Mr Litvinenko's murder.
However, Russia has refused to extradite Mr Lugovoi, who denies involvement in the murder.
(KMcA/JM)
Foreign Secretary David Miliband told the Commons that this was a "situation the government has not sought and does not welcome", but said that they had "no choice" but to address it.
Mr Miliband also said that co-operation with Russia on a range of issues would now be reviewed and that visa negotiations had also been suspended.
Mr Litvinenko, a fierce critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin, died in a London hospital at the end of last November, after falling ill earlier that month. A large dose of radioactive substance polonium-210 was found in his body.
Prosecutors in Britain want another former KGB officer, Andrei Lugovoi to stand trial in the UK for Mr Litvinenko's murder.
However, Russia has refused to extradite Mr Lugovoi, who denies involvement in the murder.
(KMcA/JM)
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08 July 2008
Brown's Stance Praised By Litvinenko Widow
The widow of former Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko has commended Prime Minister Gordon Brown for "standing firm" on his demand for the extradition of the main suspect in the assassination of the defector. Marina Litvinenko welcomed Mr Brown's continued "firm" calls for the extradition of Andrei Lugovoi, two years after Mr Litvinenko's poisoning.
Brown's Stance Praised By Litvinenko Widow
The widow of former Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko has commended Prime Minister Gordon Brown for "standing firm" on his demand for the extradition of the main suspect in the assassination of the defector. Marina Litvinenko welcomed Mr Brown's continued "firm" calls for the extradition of Andrei Lugovoi, two years after Mr Litvinenko's poisoning.
23 July 2007
Russia critical of UK in Litvinenko row
Russia has criticised Britain's decision to expel four Russian diplomats in the row over the extradition of the main suspect in the Alexander Litvinenko murder, saying it was politically motivated.
Russia critical of UK in Litvinenko row
Russia has criticised Britain's decision to expel four Russian diplomats in the row over the extradition of the main suspect in the Alexander Litvinenko murder, saying it was politically motivated.
01 December 2006
Mystery surrounds former Russian Prime Minister's illness
A former Russian acting Prime Minister Yegor Gaidar is being treated in hospital following what may be some form of poisoning. Mr Gaidar, who was premiere for a time under the Boris Yeltsin regime, fell ill during a visit to Dublin last week and was treated at a Dublin hospital before being moved to Russia.
Mystery surrounds former Russian Prime Minister's illness
A former Russian acting Prime Minister Yegor Gaidar is being treated in hospital following what may be some form of poisoning. Mr Gaidar, who was premiere for a time under the Boris Yeltsin regime, fell ill during a visit to Dublin last week and was treated at a Dublin hospital before being moved to Russia.
19 July 2007
Russia to expel four British diplomats
Russia will expel four UK diplomats as the row over their refusal to extradite the man suspected of murdering Alexander Litvinenko. The diplomats will have to leave Russia within ten days and visa applications for British officials are also set to be restricted.
Russia to expel four British diplomats
Russia will expel four UK diplomats as the row over their refusal to extradite the man suspected of murdering Alexander Litvinenko. The diplomats will have to leave Russia within ten days and visa applications for British officials are also set to be restricted.
23 May 2007
Talks continue over Litvinenko murder
Diplomatic negotiations are continuing between the UK and Russia in an attempt to secure the extradition of a former KGB officer accused of the murder of Alexander Litvinenko. On Tuesday, the Crown Prosecution Service announced that it has enough evidence to charge Andrey Lugovoy with the murder of Mr Litvinenko.
Talks continue over Litvinenko murder
Diplomatic negotiations are continuing between the UK and Russia in an attempt to secure the extradition of a former KGB officer accused of the murder of Alexander Litvinenko. On Tuesday, the Crown Prosecution Service announced that it has enough evidence to charge Andrey Lugovoy with the murder of Mr Litvinenko.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
