By RIA Novosti
Zavidovo : Russian President Vladimir Putin has said Britain’s demand to amend Russia’s constitution for extradition of a suspect in the murder of Alexander Litvinenko shows Britain retains a colonialist mentality.
“What they are proposing is obviously a vestige of colonial thinking,” Putin said at a meeting with youth organisations at the presidential residence in Zavidovo, in the Tver region.
Russia has refused to extradite Kremlin bodyguard-turned-businessman Andrei Lugovoi, London’s chief suspect in the poisoning of Alexander Litvinenko, a British national, with radioactive polonium in November.
Moscow says evidence provided by London has been insufficient, and that the constitution expressly forbids the extradition of Russian nationals.
The row heated up last week, when the two countries expelled diplomats, imposed mutual visa restrictions and suspended anti-terrorism cooperation.
British Ambassador to Russia Anthony Brenton suggested Monday that Russia could amend its constitution to make progress in the case.
Putin retorted that London was still harbouring 30 people wanted in Russia on grave charges. The most high profile of these are Boris Berezovsky, accused of massive fraud and instigating a coup in Russia, and Chechen emissary Ahmed Zakayev, considered a terrorist by Moscow. Russia’s repeated requests for their extradition have been rejected by London.
“They do not extradite people who are hiding on their territory, including individuals suspected of or charged with terrorist activities, but make serious claims to other countries and give insulting recommendations to change the constitution,” Putin said.
“Partners deserve greater respect,” he added.