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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Brown's Stance Praised By Litvinenko Widow
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Poisoned former KGB man remains in serious condition
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Poisoned former KGB man remains in serious condition
A former KGB colonel remains in a serious condition in a London hospital after being poisoned with toxic chemical thallium. Alexander Litvinenko, 44, an outspoken critic of Russian president Vladimir Putin, is believed to have fallen ill after attending a meeting with a contact in a sushi bar in Piccadilly on November 1.
17 July 2007
Russia issues warning over diplomats' expulsions
The Kremlin has warned Britain that it faces "serious consequences" over the decision to expel four Russian diplomats from the country's embassy in London. The move came after Russia's refusal to extradite the former KGB agent accused of murdering Alexander Litvinenko in Britain last year.
Russia issues warning over diplomats' expulsions
The Kremlin has warned Britain that it faces "serious consequences" over the decision to expel four Russian diplomats from the country's embassy in London. The move came after Russia's refusal to extradite the former KGB agent accused of murdering Alexander Litvinenko in Britain last year.
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.