Diplomatic crisis over poisoned Russian spy
Russia vows 'proportionate' response to Britain's expulsion of four diplomats.
from the July 18, 2007 edition
Page 2 of 2
Page 1 | 2
"It's quite possible that British businesses in Russia will suffer badly from this," says Yevgeny Yasin, head of the independent Higher School of Economics in Moscow. "With all the passions that are being stirred up, it's certainly not going to do economic relations any good."
Experts say that British-funded NGOs in Russia might also be targeted if the mood worsens. "There is a propaganda war beginning, and Russia will feel the need to offer strong retaliation," says Mr. Lukyanov. "It's likely that British NGOs will find themselves facing all sorts of legal and financial problems."
Russia criticizes double standard
Meanwhile, Russia is emphasizing a perceived double standard on Britain's part. The Russian government newspaper, Rossiskaya Gazeta, on Tuesday published a list of 21 names it said were alleged criminals that Moscow has tried over the past six years to extradite from Britain without success. Among them is Berezovsky, whose in absentia trial on charges of fraud and embezzlement opened in Moscow last week.
In an interview with the Sunday Times last weekend, Russian ambassador to Britain Yury Fedotov accused British authorities of whipping up an atmosphere of "Russophobia" in the country. He alleged that all Russians are treated as if they were "mafia criminals" and often denied service in London restaurants, hotels, and shops. "I can cite examples where Russians were beaten by youngsters in London," Mr. Fedotov said. "Tourists, visitors, businessmen. They were severely beaten and the police did not even open an investigation."
Points of friction
Extradition: London wants Russian businessman Andrei Lugovoi turned over in connection with the Litvinenko case, but refuses to hand over Kremlin critic Boris Berezovsky and Chechen leader Akhmed Zakayev – both wanted for trial in Russia.
Energy: Oil giants British Petroleum and Royal Dutch Shell were recently forced to sell stakes in major energy projects to Gazprom.
Politics: Russia has blocked a British draft resolution in the UN Security Council that would effectively give Kosovo independence.
Diplomacy: London expelled four mid-level Russian diplomats Monday in response to the Litvinenko stalemate. In Russia, pro-Kremlin youth organization Nashi has harassed British ambassador Anthony Brenton, interrupting his speeches and pounding his Jaguar with their fists, since he spoke at a summit of Putin opponents last year.
Culture: Activities of the British embassy's cultural arm in Russia have been blocked numerous times, most recently over a tax dispute.
Source: Reuters
1 | Page 2
RSS feed
