Russia yesterday vowed a "targeted and appropriate" response to Britain's expulsion of four diplomats in a mounting confrontation over the radiation poisoning death of former KGB officer Alexander Litvinenko, but refrained from revealing its plans.
Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko criticized Britain for demanding the extradition of the key suspect in the killing, emphasizing that Russia's constitution forbids it, and urged other European nations not to gang up against Moscow.
Grushko had been expected to announce a response to Britain's decision to throw out four diplomats and place restrictions on visas issued to Russian government officials - moves that followed Moscow's refusal to hand over Andrei Lugovoi, accused of the November killing of Kremlin critic Alexander Litvinenko in London.
He said Russia would inform Britain very soon of its response, but did not say what it would be.
"Our reaction will be targeted and appropriate, and the British authorities will be officially informed of this in the nearest future," Grushko told reporters. He said Moscow would take care to ensure its moves would not hurt tourists, business people and other "everyday citizens" with ties to Britain.
Like President Vladimir Putin, Grushko railed against London for demanding Lugovoi's extradition, accusing Britain of "trying to punish (Russia) for abiding by its own constitution."
"The Russian Constitution prohibits the extradition of its citizens. No political decision can change this legal fact."
He said Britain's position would make cooperation between the nations' law enforcement bodies difficult if not impossible.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown's spokesman, Michael Ellam, declined to say yesterday whether Britain would consider further punitive measures against Russia if Moscow continues to refuse to extradite Lugovoi. "We are waiting to see what the Russian response is," he said.
Ellam said Brown had not made contact with Putin or other Russian officials, but that Britain's Foreign Secretary David Miliband had spoken Monday afternoon with his counterpart at the Russian Foreign Ministry.
The dispute could derail recent American efforts to ease increasing tension between Russia and the West, and holds implications for crucial issues like energy security and the nuclear standoff with Iran.
Source: China Daily/agencies
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