Azerbaijan, Baku /corr. Trend A.Badalova / Russia will never agree to violate its Constitution and give businessmen, Andrei Lugov, who is accused by British legal bodies of murdering ex-employee of the Federal Security Service of Russia, Alexander Litvienko, to London.
"The Constitution of Russia does not allow it. The British Government considers that it will put enough pressure and Russia will amend its Constitution to give Lugov to them," the Director of the Political Studies Institute of Russia, Sergey Markov, informed on 18 July by telephone from Moscow.
The Foreign Minister of Great Britain, David Milibend, said on 14 July that the Country will change the rules of issuing visas to the Russian citizens due to Russia's refusal to give Andrei Lugov to Britain. In addition, the British Government intends to reconsider 'several aspects' of its relations with Russia. Especially it is highlighted that the talks with Moscow regarding simplification of the visa regime will be terminated.
According to the politician, the conflict between Britain and Russia has concrete reasons. "The case of Litvienko caused broad resonance, which threatened millions of British people, as well as many Europeans and Americans. The British Government should make requirements due to strong public pressure. The British Government well knows that they have not murdered Litvienko," the politician said.
According to him, in addition, the British Government is sure that the Russian oligarch Berezovski, who is under control, could not make such action. The politician said that there is not assurance that it will be better for Russia after giving Lugov.
According to Markov, it is impossible to believe the British Government who confirms that they have valid evidences that Litvienko was murdered by Lugov. He says that the conflict between Great Britain and Russia will continue because the sides support various points of view. But it is difficult to speak of the future of the crisis, the politician said.
On 18 July the Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia, Alexander Grushko, said that in the nearest future, the British Government will be notified of the relevant decision of Russia. Making an official statement, the Russian Foreign Minister's envoy said that it is impossible to call as adequate the action of Great Britain which as a response to Russia's refusal, expels four Russian diplomats from the Country. Grushko stressed that London tries to punish Russia for following its Constitution.