UK challenges Russia over Lugovoy

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Russia has refused to turn over former KGB officer Andrei Lugovoy on the grounds that its constitution forbids extradition of Russian citizens.

But Sir Anthony Brenton said in an interview published on Monday that Russia could get around the ban if it wanted to co-operate.

"Russia's constitution, like those of other states, is clearly capable of interpretation in the light of circumstances," he said in the interview with the Interfax News Agency and Kommersant newspaper.

The ambassador noted specific sections of the constitution that were routinely violated in Russia.

Russia's prosecutor general was scheduled to address Russia's co-operation with Britain in the Litvinenko case at a news conference on Monday. The case was also expected to be discussed at a meeting of European Union foreign ministers in Brussels.

Gordon Brown has also renewed his demand for Russia to hand over the prime suspect in the Litvinenko murder - describing the situation as "intolerable".

The Prime Minister insisted Russia has a "responsibility" to extradite Lugovoy so he can stand trial for the crime in the UK.

Speaking during his first regular press conference as PM on Monday, Mr Brown said it was "very important" that the world understood the seriousness of the situation.

Lugovoy is accused of poisoning Litvinenko, a former KGB colleague, with radioactive polonium at a London hotel on November 1 last year. He has denied any involvement.