How will the current row between Russia and the United Kingdom affect the countries’ relations?


Allan 16 July, 2007, 17:31	I believe there will be some effect on the countries relations, which i think is a huge shame really, i believe that both countries are guilty to a degree in this, I think russia should extradite Lugovoi, but also the Uk is guilty as they should deport the Chechen Terrorist that is wanted in Russia, I think extradition should work both ways, at the moment it works in neither way. permalink quote 0 Allan
Andrea 16 July, 2007, 17:44	Hopefully it will make both governments look at their conduct. How or why the UK ever gave Bezedovsky sanctuary is beyond me, and how Russia can say it cannot extradite Lugovoi is a mystery to me. And I would just ask, what is the purpose to Russia of holding on to Lugovoi? Do they think the world cannot see? It does not make Russia look good now does it. It really does look like complicity. The UK on the other hand need to find a way of seeing that Russian law is not their jurisdiction, if respect for each other is what this is about then both governments need a damn good talking to about acting responsibly. Blustering is not much of a way to find a way forward and neither is protecting men who no not deserve it. If somebody wants respect than it advisable to act as if you deserve it. Being big (Russia) or being rich (UK) isn't a prerequisite for getting respect. You might like to ponder that! permalink quote 0 Andrea
Tom 16 July, 2007, 18:33	I am sure this will negatively impact on relations, but it was up to the British government to thoroughly consider this before acting. Let's face it, Britain is a has-been colonial power. A minnow that still thinks it is a shark. This decision is an act of high hypocrisy on the part of the British government and is just the latest outburst in a long line of Russophobe hysteria. When the UK announces that it is ready to hand over the criminals Boris Berezovsky and Akhmed Zakayev, as well the other individuals Russia is seeking to extradite, then they might be in a position to adopt the moral high ground. Russia should NOT change its constitution to suit the whims of other nations. At least Russia has a written constitution to which its citizens can refer, unlike Britain with its archaic, unwritten "common law" excuse for a constitution. I answer to Andrea, Russia is holding on to Lugovoy because their constitution forbids his extradition - it says he should be tried on Russian soil. The UK won't hand over the body of evidence to allow that to happen. What is Russia to do? permalink quote 0 Tom
Margo 16 July, 2007, 19:14	This situation raises a lot of questions. If the British were truly convinced that Lugovoy poisoned Litvinenko, why would they refuse to send their files and findings to the Russian criminologists? And how can they expect Russia to change its own constitution just to comply with their demands? Would Britain change its laws at the request of some other country, apart from the USA that is? Why have they given asylum to Boris Berezovsky, who is now also wanted in Brazil for money laundering. Why give asylum to Chechen terrorists and other criminals who have been convicted of fraud, homicide, etc? Have they extradited even one of these people, after Russia's requests for their extradition? I believe that the latest actions of Britain have little to do with Lugovoy's guilt, which is all to be demonstrated. I wouldn't speak of "hysteria", it looks much more like a new step in a policy against Russia first undertaken long ago - a policy, perhaps, in which the USA also have an interest - which aims at keeping Russia under pressure and to undermine its image and dignity on the international scene. Personally I look at this step in the perspective of a bigger picture, where NATO and USA are placing or at least trying to establish more and more bases around Russia's borders. Ultimately, it all looks as if there was a plan to attack Russia sometime in the future. Science fiction? Perhaps. But lets not forget that such things have already happened and that the USA has always secretly planned to invade Russia. permalink quote 0 Margo
Andrea 16 July, 2007, 19:27	Tom what Russiaphobia would that be? Have you ever watched Russian tv and its non stop anti western slant? Do you think that perhaps there is a bit of propaganda going on there? How do you know that the UK has not given over evidence about Lugovoi? What is the record of Russian courts and prosecutions on such cases? Where is the case against the murderers of Staravoitova and Politkovskya for instance? Why to the UN and EU say Russian courts are selective? Y'know there are two sides to this story and neither covers itself in much glory does it? How do you know Berezovsky is guilty as charged, because the Russian media told you? If he is of interest why aren't others who ammassed their fortunes the same way? Allowing Lugovoi to be interviewed and come out with the outrageous nonesense he has does not look like anything other that gloating and complicity. Now how does Russia take the moral high ground over that? Do you think it was a good idea for President Putin to call the UK stupid about requesting extradition? It has every right to request it. Do you think the Russian Ambassador to London is justified in saying Russians are treated badly in UK? Where is the evidence? Can you quote any statement by the British Government that is anti-Russian? As to changing the constitution, Russia doesn't need to, it simply needs to understand that committing murder is unacceptable, so why treat the guy like a hero? AS to the UK being a minnow may I remind you that the UK economy is about 4 or 5 times that of Russia, that UK is the biggest investor in Russia, that the inward investment into UK dwarfs Russian inward investment. Who is the minnow here? What on earth has the UKs colonial power of yesteryear got to do with anything? What a ridiculous remark. At the end of the day both sides need to take a good look at their actions. It may well be that Berezovsky deserves to go on trial, but that has nothing whatsoever to do with a murder in London, done with impunity and endangered hundreds of others. If Lugovoi is innocent what’s the problem? Methinks the lady doth protest to much. Perhaps you should read Y. Kyselev's article in the Moscow Times a few days ago for a reality check, its online. permalink quote 0 Andrea
vencor 16 July, 2007, 20:53	Maybe Brown needed a gambit to show the Western world and USA, that he is as committed to being a Bush buddy as was 'Yo'Blair! Why didn't he extradite genuine criminals like Brezovsky and Zakaiev? Ridiculous, childish and churlish to say the least. Reconsiderations and makeovers are sure to follow. The English paranoia and the old 'Russian threat'resurfaces again. I think RF should treat this with what it deserves = CONTEMPT! Let them realise what they are worth today! permalink quote 0 vencor
Margo 16 July, 2007, 21:03	Andrea, it seems you are giving for granted that other people writing on this web are less or worse informed than you. Don't you think that others might be able to speak both Russian and English - as well as other languages too - and can gather a lot of info from both British and Russian press/TV? I have the impression that your way of thinking reflects a little too much the opionions of the pro-western media, who accuse Russia of something wrong every single day. If Russia pays them back it has the right to do so. To answer to your doubts about Lugovoy's files: no, they have not been transferred to the Russian experts inspite of their requestes, it's a fact. permalink quote 0 Margo
Tom 16 July, 2007, 21:09	Andrea, I have not only watched Russian TV, but I have lived in the country, and I do not perceive any anti-Western slant. What I do perceive is a witch-hunt being carried out by a holier-than-thou EU. Perhaps the UN and EU have the opinion that the Russian courts are selective. My answer to that is that those who live in glass houses should not throw stones. For instance, there is a very high possibility that several members of the EU have participated in the illegal and immoral "extraordinary rendition" policy of the United States. Britain has its own appalling travesties of justice across its former colonies as well as at home. The justice system in the United States is riddled with flaws. The reality is that no justice system is perfect and only those who can claim to have a totally transparent and truly just system of justice can afford to point fingers. The UK economy is NOT 4 or 5 times that of Russia. According to 2006 estimates Russian GDP at purchasing power parity is $1.746 trillion, with the UK GDP $1.93 trillion. Hardly the significant difference you suggest, is it? Russia also holds significant reserves of resources that the United Kingdom could only dream of, which puts them in the lead for the future. Your suggestion that I believe Berezovsky to be guilty as charged because the "Russian Media" told me so is both arrogant and asinine. I believe it because Berezovsky has already convicted himself in public - he does it every time he opens his mouth. The man has openly called for the violent overthrow of the democratically elected Russian government. The other disgusting vultures who amassed their fortunes through shady deals in the Yelstin era are also being treated the same way - one by one. Perhaps it is the sheer scale of Berezovsky's criminality that puts him at the top of the list. As for the request for Lugovoy's extradition, it would not surprise me if the UK government expect the Russian government to act on the same paucity of evidence that would be acceptable in the United Kingdom - a country that is rapidly becoming a totalitarian police state. The hysteria in the UK stinks of hypocrisy and I will not surprised if the Russian government treats it as such. Remember that Russia is an independent, sovereign state and does not have to take orders from others. As for the Moscow Times article, I gave up reading it after they became more of an American mouthpiece, which is around the time they got rid of their best columnist - Chris Floyd. I assume you live in Russia. Am I correct? If you do, then I would suggest that it is not the best place for you to live, given your obvious contempt for the country, its government and laws. permalink quote 0 Tom
G.D. 16 July, 2007, 21:29	No Russia should not hand over Logovoi, it should ask for evidence and judge him in Russia. Those are the laws of that country and they should be respected. Individuals that were comiting criminal acts in Russia, either robing the country in billions are free in England, not one has been handed over, most notorious case is Berezovski. Or others that were attacking federal force in chechnia and killing hundreas if not thousands are all free in england (akhmed zakayev ) not one has been extradited to russia. permalink quote 0 G.D.
Guido 16 July, 2007, 21:31	Mister Litvinenko did suffer a terrible end. Why it had to be that way, might stay a question we will never be able to answer. But no democratic nation should send undercover agents abroad with radioactive material to kill and put others at risk. permalink quote 0 Guido
R 16 July, 2007, 23:46	Britain must recognise the Constitution of Russia and other countries. Britain must cease to be the arrogant master as it projects itself. History tells a 'wonderful' story of Britain's arrogance. Britain must cease to recognise those perpetrators of criminal activities in other countries and return these criminals to these countries. Essentially, by refusing so to do Britain is just as guilty as the individuals themselves of murder, fraud, drug running, rape, money laundering etc. If Britain wants to exercise its arrogance against Russia why not against Mugabe in Zimbabwe? permalink quote 0 R
Crystaline 17 July, 2007, 00:18	I think that Great Britain is very wrong here. This just shows how self centered politics they have. I wish that Putin will put gasoline in to the fire. Russia should react very strongly and show that they are a strong players. permalink quote 0 Crystaline
Al 17 July, 2007, 02:37	This is only a diversion from other things happening for Britain such as the debacle in Iraq. As we speak the Shite insurgents have the Brits penned up in Festung Basra. A bad situation so the new Prime Minister needs to divert attention away from that while making a name for himself as a tough guy. Messing with Russia is safe, the case has all of the elements of a James Bond thriller and apparently does a good job of refocusing the peoples minds and makes the politicos look good when they need it most. permalink quote 0 Al
Michael 17 July, 2007, 04:42	A good result of the current dispute between the United Kingdom and the Russian Republic would be for them to negotiate an EXTRADITION TREATY under which procedures would be established for persons who are fugitives from justice by either nation to be sent back if the other country determines there is enough evidence to warrant prosecution. permalink quote 0 Michael
N 17 July, 2007, 06:14	I watch your program every day. I am so happy that Russia is again firmly on it's feet. God bless president Putin. Russia should not extradite it's citizens. If they are guilty than Russia should judge tham in it's court. Arogant and cynical politics of UK is nothing new. It would appear that, at this point in history, UK has identity crises and is in denial. It can not come to terms with the fact that most nations do not tremble in front of it. Hail great Russia, you have more friends in this world than you can dream of. permalink quote 0 N
Paula 17 July, 2007, 07:39	I feel ashamed to be British. Our government does not represent the feelings of the people. Gordon Brown has taken over as PM without an election. In a few weeks he has succeeded in alienating the USA and Russia. He has no idea how much trouble he is causing and neither do the members of his inept government. Previous governmente have allowed criminls and subversives to set up home in Britain. These people seem to think they can criticise their country from a safe haven. This is despicable. I would like to apologise to the Russian people and hope sincerely that Brown is removed from office at a general election before he can do any more damage. permalink quote 0 Paula
Yuri 17 July, 2007, 09:03	Of course they're right to expel them, how dare they bring deadly radiation into a soverign country to commit murder. What on earth do you expect a civilised nation to do faced with such barbarity, come and do likewise in your country ? No that would make them as bad as you, this is a civilised response to ab act of cowardice and barbarity. permalink quote 0 Yuri
ian 17 July, 2007, 09:10	Under Tony Blair and now Gordon Brown my country has allowed every man and his dog to settle in the UK. Many of these are undesirablles / criminals and murderers who are wanted in there own counties to stand trial. Russia has asked for the return of Beresovsky and Zakayev and the UK say no. What answer did they expect from Russia to send Lugovoi over to London ?. a relationship is a two way street. Gordon Brown is stupid to expell 4 diplomats and i hope Vladimir Putin does not rise to the bait and throw out UK diplomats. Stop the sabre rattling and get the diplomats negotiating, thats what they are paid to do not pack their bags permalink quote 0 ian
Bill 17 July, 2007, 09:11	Like Paula, I am ashamed this morning to be English. Both Russia and Britain had a history of mutual help and understanding, ruined by the American cold war 'misinformation' reds-under-the bed menatality. Lets stop being silly boys in the playground - if these guys - ALL of them - have strong cases against them, evidence is evidence: either country would put them away. This Labour government is just a bunch of interfering bleeding heart do-gooders who do not now represent the feelings of ordinary Brits. Ou press dumbs down to the lowest common denominator: The 'Sun' and 'Daily Mail' rubbish press tells David Miliband is right! I wonder how many of their readers acually KNOW there are about 20 extradition refusals for Russian/Chechen criminals? The press here manipulate by inferred truths, not facts. I love Russia, and the people. May Russia and God forgive us. permalink quote 0 Bill
Al 17 July, 2007, 13:15	I think this is more along the lines of the mob/mafia turned politcal with lots of sensationalism and deceit. Russia has asked for the Bruts evidence so that they can try him there if it is warranted. Have the Brits given it to them? permalink quote 0 Al

Allan 16 July, 2007, 17:31

I believe there will be some effect on the countries relations, which i think is a huge shame really, i believe that both countries are guilty to a degree in this, I think russia should extradite Lugovoi, but also the Uk is guilty as they should deport the Chechen Terrorist that is wanted in Russia, I think extradition should work both ways, at the moment it works in neither way.

permalink quote Allan

Andrea 16 July, 2007, 17:44

Hopefully it will make both governments look at their conduct. How or why the UK ever gave Bezedovsky sanctuary is beyond me, and how Russia can say it cannot extradite Lugovoi is a mystery to me. And I would just ask, what is the purpose to Russia of holding on to Lugovoi? Do they think the world cannot see? It does not make Russia look good now does it. It really does look like complicity. The UK on the other hand need to find a way of seeing that Russian law is not their jurisdiction, if respect for each other is what this is about then both governments need a damn good talking to about acting responsibly. Blustering is not much of a way to find a way forward and neither is protecting men who no not deserve it. If somebody wants respect than it advisable to act as if you deserve it. Being big (Russia) or being rich (UK) isn't a prerequisite for getting respect. You might like to ponder that!

permalink quote Andrea

Tom 16 July, 2007, 18:33

I am sure this will negatively impact on relations, but it was up to the British government to thoroughly consider this before acting. Let's face it, Britain is a has-been colonial power. A minnow that still thinks it is a shark. This decision is an act of high hypocrisy on the part of the British government and is just the latest outburst in a long line of Russophobe hysteria. When the UK announces that it is ready to hand over the criminals Boris Berezovsky and Akhmed Zakayev, as well the other individuals Russia is seeking to extradite, then they might be in a position to adopt the moral high ground. Russia should NOT change its constitution to suit the whims of other nations. At least Russia has a written constitution to which its citizens can refer, unlike Britain with its archaic, unwritten "common law" excuse for a constitution. I answer to Andrea, Russia is holding on to Lugovoy because their constitution forbids his extradition - it says he should be tried on Russian soil. The UK won't hand over the body of evidence to allow that to happen. What is Russia to do?

permalink quote Tom

Margo 16 July, 2007, 19:14

This situation raises a lot of questions. If the British were truly convinced that Lugovoy poisoned Litvinenko, why would they refuse to send their files and findings to the Russian criminologists? And how can they expect Russia to change its own constitution just to comply with their demands? Would Britain change its laws at the request of some other country, apart from the USA that is? Why have they given asylum to Boris Berezovsky, who is now also wanted in Brazil for money laundering. Why give asylum to Chechen terrorists and other criminals who have been convicted of fraud, homicide, etc? Have they extradited even one of these people, after Russia's requests for their extradition? I believe that the latest actions of Britain have little to do with Lugovoy's guilt, which is all to be demonstrated. I wouldn't speak of "hysteria", it looks much more like a new step in a policy against Russia first undertaken long ago - a policy, perhaps, in which the USA also have an interest - which aims at keeping Russia under pressure and to undermine its image and dignity on the international scene. Personally I look at this step in the perspective of a bigger picture, where NATO and USA are placing or at least trying to establish more and more bases around Russia's borders. Ultimately, it all looks as if there was a plan to attack Russia sometime in the future. Science fiction? Perhaps. But lets not forget that such things have already happened and that the USA has always secretly planned to invade Russia.

permalink quote Margo

Andrea 16 July, 2007, 19:27

Tom what Russiaphobia would that be? Have you ever watched Russian tv and its non stop anti western slant? Do you think that perhaps there is a bit of propaganda going on there? How do you know that the UK has not given over evidence about Lugovoi? What is the record of Russian courts and prosecutions on such cases? Where is the case against the murderers of Staravoitova and Politkovskya for instance? Why to the UN and EU say Russian courts are selective? Y'know there are two sides to this story and neither covers itself in much glory does it? How do you know Berezovsky is guilty as charged, because the Russian media told you? If he is of interest why aren't others who ammassed their fortunes the same way? Allowing Lugovoi to be interviewed and come out with the outrageous nonesense he has does not look like anything other that gloating and complicity. Now how does Russia take the moral high ground over that? Do you think it was a good idea for President Putin to call the UK stupid about requesting extradition? It has every right to request it. Do you think the Russian Ambassador to London is justified in saying Russians are treated badly in UK? Where is the evidence? Can you quote any statement by the British Government that is anti-Russian? As to changing the constitution, Russia doesn't need to, it simply needs to understand that committing murder is unacceptable, so why treat the guy like a hero? AS to the UK being a minnow may I remind you that the UK economy is about 4 or 5 times that of Russia, that UK is the biggest investor in Russia, that the inward investment into UK dwarfs Russian inward investment. Who is the minnow here? What on earth has the UKs colonial power of yesteryear got to do with anything? What a ridiculous remark. At the end of the day both sides need to take a good look at their actions. It may well be that Berezovsky deserves to go on trial, but that has nothing whatsoever to do with a murder in London, done with impunity and endangered hundreds of others. If Lugovoi is innocent what’s the problem? Methinks the lady doth protest to much. Perhaps you should read Y. Kyselev's article in the Moscow Times a few days ago for a reality check, its online.

permalink quote Andrea

vencor 16 July, 2007, 20:53

Maybe Brown needed a gambit to show the Western world and USA, that he is as committed to being a Bush buddy as was 'Yo'Blair! Why didn't he extradite genuine criminals like Brezovsky and Zakaiev? Ridiculous, childish and churlish to say the least. Reconsiderations and makeovers are sure to follow. The English paranoia and the old 'Russian threat'resurfaces again. I think RF should treat this with what it deserves = CONTEMPT! Let them realise what they are worth today!

permalink quote vencor

Margo 16 July, 2007, 21:03

Andrea, it seems you are giving for granted that other people writing on this web are less or worse informed than you. Don't you think that others might be able to speak both Russian and English - as well as other languages too - and can gather a lot of info from both British and Russian press/TV? I have the impression that your way of thinking reflects a little too much the opionions of the pro-western media, who accuse Russia of something wrong every single day. If Russia pays them back it has the right to do so. To answer to your doubts about Lugovoy's files: no, they have not been transferred to the Russian experts inspite of their requestes, it's a fact.

permalink quote Margo

Tom 16 July, 2007, 21:09

Andrea, I have not only watched Russian TV, but I have lived in the country, and I do not perceive any anti-Western slant. What I do perceive is a witch-hunt being carried out by a holier-than-thou EU. Perhaps the UN and EU have the opinion that the Russian courts are selective. My answer to that is that those who live in glass houses should not throw stones. For instance, there is a very high possibility that several members of the EU have participated in the illegal and immoral "extraordinary rendition" policy of the United States. Britain has its own appalling travesties of justice across its former colonies as well as at home. The justice system in the United States is riddled with flaws. The reality is that no justice system is perfect and only those who can claim to have a totally transparent and truly just system of justice can afford to point fingers. The UK economy is NOT 4 or 5 times that of Russia. According to 2006 estimates Russian GDP at purchasing power parity is $1.746 trillion, with the UK GDP $1.93 trillion. Hardly the significant difference you suggest, is it? Russia also holds significant reserves of resources that the United Kingdom could only dream of, which puts them in the lead for the future. Your suggestion that I believe Berezovsky to be guilty as charged because the "Russian Media" told me so is both arrogant and asinine. I believe it because Berezovsky has already convicted himself in public - he does it every time he opens his mouth. The man has openly called for the violent overthrow of the democratically elected Russian government. The other disgusting vultures who amassed their fortunes through shady deals in the Yelstin era are also being treated the same way - one by one. Perhaps it is the sheer scale of Berezovsky's criminality that puts him at the top of the list. As for the request for Lugovoy's extradition, it would not surprise me if the UK government expect the Russian government to act on the same paucity of evidence that would be acceptable in the United Kingdom - a country that is rapidly becoming a totalitarian police state. The hysteria in the UK stinks of hypocrisy and I will not surprised if the Russian government treats it as such. Remember that Russia is an independent, sovereign state and does not have to take orders from others. As for the Moscow Times article, I gave up reading it after they became more of an American mouthpiece, which is around the time they got rid of their best columnist - Chris Floyd. I assume you live in Russia. Am I correct? If you do, then I would suggest that it is not the best place for you to live, given your obvious contempt for the country, its government and laws.

permalink quote Tom

G.D. 16 July, 2007, 21:29

No Russia should not hand over Logovoi, it should ask for evidence and judge him in Russia. Those are the laws of that country and they should be respected. Individuals that were comiting criminal acts in Russia, either robing the country in billions are free in England, not one has been handed over, most notorious case is Berezovski. Or others that were attacking federal force in chechnia and killing hundreas if not thousands are all free in england (akhmed zakayev ) not one has been extradited to russia.

permalink quote G.D.

Guido 16 July, 2007, 21:31

Mister Litvinenko did suffer a terrible end. Why it had to be that way, might stay a question we will never be able to answer. But no democratic nation should send undercover agents abroad with radioactive material to kill and put others at risk.

permalink quote Guido

R 16 July, 2007, 23:46

Britain must recognise the Constitution of Russia and other countries. Britain must cease to be the arrogant master as it projects itself. History tells a 'wonderful' story of Britain's arrogance. Britain must cease to recognise those perpetrators of criminal activities in other countries and return these criminals to these countries. Essentially, by refusing so to do Britain is just as guilty as the individuals themselves of murder, fraud, drug running, rape, money laundering etc. If Britain wants to exercise its arrogance against Russia why not against Mugabe in Zimbabwe?

permalink quote R

Crystaline 17 July, 2007, 00:18

I think that Great Britain is very wrong here. This just shows how self centered politics they have. I wish that Putin will put gasoline in to the fire. Russia should react very strongly and show that they are a strong players.

permalink quote Crystaline

Al 17 July, 2007, 02:37

This is only a diversion from other things happening for Britain such as the debacle in Iraq. As we speak the Shite insurgents have the Brits penned up in Festung Basra. A bad situation so the new Prime Minister needs to divert attention away from that while making a name for himself as a tough guy. Messing with Russia is safe, the case has all of the elements of a James Bond thriller and apparently does a good job of refocusing the peoples minds and makes the politicos look good when they need it most.

permalink quote Al

Michael 17 July, 2007, 04:42

A good result of the current dispute between the United Kingdom and the Russian Republic would be for them to negotiate an EXTRADITION TREATY under which procedures would be established for persons who are fugitives from justice by either nation to be sent back if the other country determines there is enough evidence to warrant prosecution.

permalink quote Michael

N 17 July, 2007, 06:14

I watch your program every day. I am so happy that Russia is again firmly on it's feet. God bless president Putin. Russia should not extradite it's citizens. If they are guilty than Russia should judge tham in it's court. Arogant and cynical politics of UK is nothing new. It would appear that, at this point in history, UK has identity crises and is in denial. It can not come to terms with the fact that most nations do not tremble in front of it. Hail great Russia, you have more friends in this world than you can dream of.

permalink quote N

Paula 17 July, 2007, 07:39

I feel ashamed to be British. Our government does not represent the feelings of the people. Gordon Brown has taken over as PM without an election. In a few weeks he has succeeded in alienating the USA and Russia. He has no idea how much trouble he is causing and neither do the members of his inept government. Previous governmente have allowed criminls and subversives to set up home in Britain. These people seem to think they can criticise their country from a safe haven. This is despicable. I would like to apologise to the Russian people and hope sincerely that Brown is removed from office at a general election before he can do any more damage.

permalink quote Paula

Yuri 17 July, 2007, 09:03

Of course they're right to expel them, how dare they bring deadly radiation into a soverign country to commit murder. What on earth do you expect a civilised nation to do faced with such barbarity, come and do likewise in your country ? No that would make them as bad as you, this is a civilised response to ab act of cowardice and barbarity.

permalink quote Yuri

ian 17 July, 2007, 09:10

Under Tony Blair and now Gordon Brown my country has allowed every man and his dog to settle in the UK. Many of these are undesirablles / criminals and murderers who are wanted in there own counties to stand trial. Russia has asked for the return of Beresovsky and Zakayev and the UK say no. What answer did they expect from Russia to send Lugovoi over to London ?. a relationship is a two way street. Gordon Brown is stupid to expell 4 diplomats and i hope Vladimir Putin does not rise to the bait and throw out UK diplomats. Stop the sabre rattling and get the diplomats negotiating, thats what they are paid to do not pack their bags

permalink quote ian

Bill 17 July, 2007, 09:11

Like Paula, I am ashamed this morning to be English. Both Russia and Britain had a history of mutual help and understanding, ruined by the American cold war 'misinformation' reds-under-the bed menatality. Lets stop being silly boys in the playground - if these guys - ALL of them - have strong cases against them, evidence is evidence: either country would put them away. This Labour government is just a bunch of interfering bleeding heart do-gooders who do not now represent the feelings of ordinary Brits. Ou press dumbs down to the lowest common denominator: The 'Sun' and 'Daily Mail' rubbish press tells David Miliband is right! I wonder how many of their readers acually KNOW there are about 20 extradition refusals for Russian/Chechen criminals? The press here manipulate by inferred truths, not facts. I love Russia, and the people. May Russia and God forgive us.

permalink quote Bill

Al 17 July, 2007, 13:15

I think this is more along the lines of the mob/mafia turned politcal with lots of sensationalism and deceit. Russia has asked for the Bruts evidence so that they can try him there if it is warranted. Have the Brits given it to them?

permalink quote Al

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