28 May 2007, 18:57
Russia receives documents on Lugovoj's extradition to Great Britain
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has received and delivered to the State Office of Public Prosecutor the documents on extradition of Russian businessman Andrei Lugovoj accused by the British authorities of murdering FSB ex-officer Alexander Litvinenko.
Earlier, the "Caucasian Knot" has informed that the Russian and British Offices of Public Prosecutor can make an exchange of Russian businessman Andrei Lugovoj for Boris Berezovskiy. Vladimir Vasiliev, Chairman of the State Duma Committee for Security, has told journalists about it today.
However later Mr. Vasiliev has clarified that "when answering the journalist's question on a possibility to exchange Lugovoj for Berezovskiy he meant exchange of information," the NEWSru.com reports.
As to the possibility to extradite Lugovoj to Great Britain, which is now London's target, MP Vasiliev has reminded, that "the Russian legislation, similar to legislation of many other countries, forbids extradition of its citizens to foreign countries." "During last year, our country received more than 300 requests on extradition of accused or suspected offenders, but none of them was ever extradited," the head of the Duma Committee has noted.
At the same time, he mentioned that international conventions stipulate the principle "extradite or trial yourself." "Russia is ready to trial once sufficient grounds are available."
The "Caucasian Knot" has already informed that on May 22 the British Royal Prosecution Office presented charges to Russian businessman Andrei Lugovoj on poisoning former FSB colonel Alexander Litvinenko.
