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Funeral for ex-KGB spy Litvinenko Funeral for ex-KGB spy Litvinenko
(about 8 hours later)
The body of former Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko will be buried in a special air-tight coffin at a private ceremony in London later. The former Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko will be buried in a special airtight coffin at a private ceremony in London later.
The former KGB agent's death on 23 November, in London, has been linked to the highly toxic isotope polonium-210.The former KGB agent's death on 23 November, in London, has been linked to the highly toxic isotope polonium-210.
British police earlier confirmed they were treating his death as murder. Police have now confirmed they are treating his death as murder.
That news came as small traces of a radioactive substance were found at the British embassy in Moscow following a precautionary check. Mr Litvinenko, who reportedly converted to Islam shortly before his death, is believed to be having a private Muslim funeral at a mosque.
Meanwhile the authorities have played down the risk to health after small traces of a radioactive substance were found at the British embassy in Moscow following a precautionary check.
Officials said the levels of radiation found would not pose a risk to public health.Officials said the levels of radiation found would not pose a risk to public health.
It is important to stress that we have reached no conclusions as to the means employed, the motive or the identity of those who might be responsible for Mr Litvinenko's death Scotland YardIt is important to stress that we have reached no conclusions as to the means employed, the motive or the identity of those who might be responsible for Mr Litvinenko's death Scotland Yard
In London, Scotland Yard said it was keeping an "open mind" in its murder investigation.In London, Scotland Yard said it was keeping an "open mind" in its murder investigation.
"It is important to stress that we have reached no conclusions as to the means employed, the motive or the identity of those who might be responsible for Mr Litvinenko's death," a statement said."It is important to stress that we have reached no conclusions as to the means employed, the motive or the identity of those who might be responsible for Mr Litvinenko's death," a statement said.
The British embassy announced on 4 December it would test one of its rooms as a precaution, after former KGB bodyguard Andrei Lugovoi visited the building to deny any involvement in the poisoning of Mr Litvinenko, 43.The British embassy announced on 4 December it would test one of its rooms as a precaution, after former KGB bodyguard Andrei Lugovoi visited the building to deny any involvement in the poisoning of Mr Litvinenko, 43.
Mr Lugovoi and another Russian businessman reportedly met with Mr Litvinenko in London on 1 November, the day he fell ill.Mr Lugovoi and another Russian businessman reportedly met with Mr Litvinenko in London on 1 November, the day he fell ill.
Tests have been carried out at a number of venues Mr Litvinenko visited in London on that day.Tests have been carried out at a number of venues Mr Litvinenko visited in London on that day.
'Special attention''Special attention'
Earlier, Mario Scaramella, the Italian academic who also met Mr Litvinenko on 1 November - at a sushi bar - was discharged from hospital in London.Earlier, Mario Scaramella, the Italian academic who also met Mr Litvinenko on 1 November - at a sushi bar - was discharged from hospital in London.
Mr Scaramella was under observation after testing positive for polonium-210.Mr Scaramella was under observation after testing positive for polonium-210.
In an interview from his hospital bed he told CNN he had travelled to London for a conference, but had changed his plans to meet Mr Litvinenko.In an interview from his hospital bed he told CNN he had travelled to London for a conference, but had changed his plans to meet Mr Litvinenko.
He said had received e-mails claiming that both he and Mr Litvinenko were "under the special attention of hostile people", but neither man believed the threats were real.He said had received e-mails claiming that both he and Mr Litvinenko were "under the special attention of hostile people", but neither man believed the threats were real.
Friends believe Mr Litvinenko was poisoned because of his criticisms of the Russian government, but the Kremlin has dismissed suggestions it was involved in any way as "sheer nonsense".Friends believe Mr Litvinenko was poisoned because of his criticisms of the Russian government, but the Kremlin has dismissed suggestions it was involved in any way as "sheer nonsense".
Hotel meetingHotel meeting
Meanwhile, Dmitry Kovtun, a business associate of Mr Lugovoi, is reported to have been interviewed by British police in Moscow.Meanwhile, Dmitry Kovtun, a business associate of Mr Lugovoi, is reported to have been interviewed by British police in Moscow.
The pair met Mr Litvinenko on 1 November at the Millennium Hotel.The pair met Mr Litvinenko on 1 November at the Millennium Hotel.
Mr Lugovoi is also expected to be interviewed in Moscow.Mr Lugovoi is also expected to be interviewed in Moscow.
Russian officials are expected to conduct the interview but British detectives will be in attendance.Russian officials are expected to conduct the interview but British detectives will be in attendance.
Nine Metropolitan police officers are currently in Moscow but have had restrictions placed on their investigations into Mr Litvinenko's death by the authorities.Nine Metropolitan police officers are currently in Moscow but have had restrictions placed on their investigations into Mr Litvinenko's death by the authorities.
Russia's chief prosecutor, Yuri Chaika, said British officers could not arrest Russian citizens and suspects would not be extradited to Britain.Russia's chief prosecutor, Yuri Chaika, said British officers could not arrest Russian citizens and suspects would not be extradited to Britain.