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Russia expels four UK diplomats Russia expels four UK diplomats
(40 minutes later)
Russia is to expel four UK diplomats in the continuing row over Moscow's refusal to extradite the man suspected of Alexander Litvinenko's murder.Russia is to expel four UK diplomats in the continuing row over Moscow's refusal to extradite the man suspected of Alexander Litvinenko's murder.
The four diplomats must leave Russia within 10 days, and Moscow is to review visa applications for UK officials.The four diplomats must leave Russia within 10 days, and Moscow is to review visa applications for UK officials.
Foreign ministry spokesman Mikhail Kamynin said co-operation in counter terrorism would no longer be possible.Foreign ministry spokesman Mikhail Kamynin said co-operation in counter terrorism would no longer be possible.
On Monday four Russian embassy staff were expelled from the UK as part of the row over the murder in London.On Monday four Russian embassy staff were expelled from the UK as part of the row over the murder in London.
Mr Kamynin also said Moscow would not apply for any UK visas for Russian officials.
'Continuing disappointment''Continuing disappointment'
He said Britain's decision to expel the Russian diplomats was based "not on good sense or pragmatism". The UK also suspended the visa facilitation process for Russian officials.
Announcing the tit-for-tat response, Mr Kamynin said Moscow would not apply for any UK visas for Russian officials.
KEY EVENTS IN CASE 1 November 2006: Alexander Litvinenko meets Andrei Lugovoi and another Russian at a London hotel 23 November 2006: Litvinenko dies in a London hospital24 November 2006: A Litvinenko statement accuses Russian President Vladimir Putin of involvement in his death. Experts say Litvinenko was poisoned 6 December 2006: UK police say they are treating the death as murder 22 May 2007: Lugovoi should be charged with Litvinenko's murder, British prosecutors say 28 May 2007: UK makes formal request for Lugovoi's extradition from Russia Full timeline of events Send us your reaction
He said: "The position of the Brown government is not based on British common sense and reasoning."
At the Moscow press conference he added: "The measures declared by London recently makes co-operation between Russia and the UK impossible... in the war on terror."
Earlier Tony Brenton, Britain's ambassador in Moscow, was summoned to Russia's foreign ministry and given "certain messages" to pass on to the Foreign Office in London.Earlier Tony Brenton, Britain's ambassador in Moscow, was summoned to Russia's foreign ministry and given "certain messages" to pass on to the Foreign Office in London.
After that meeting he said he had outlined "our continuing disappointment at Russia's reaction so far to our request for the extradition of Mr Lugovoi and our continuing hope that Russia will find a way to co-operate".After that meeting he said he had outlined "our continuing disappointment at Russia's reaction so far to our request for the extradition of Mr Lugovoi and our continuing hope that Russia will find a way to co-operate".
Alexander Litvinenko, an ex-KGB agent who had taken UK citizenship, died of exposure to radioactive polonium-210 in London in November 2006.Alexander Litvinenko, an ex-KGB agent who had taken UK citizenship, died of exposure to radioactive polonium-210 in London in November 2006.
Denies involvementDenies involvement
Traces of the radioactive isotope was found in several places visited by another former agent, Andrei Lugovoi.Traces of the radioactive isotope was found in several places visited by another former agent, Andrei Lugovoi.
Mr Lugovoi denies involvement and says he is a witness, not a suspect in the case and has told Russian television that the outcome of the inquiry had been predetermined.Mr Lugovoi denies involvement and says he is a witness, not a suspect in the case and has told Russian television that the outcome of the inquiry had been predetermined.
Under the European Convention on Extradition 1957, Russia has the right to refuse the extradition of a citizen.Under the European Convention on Extradition 1957, Russia has the right to refuse the extradition of a citizen.
The UK has the right to request Mr Lugovoi be tried in Russia, but the UK's director of public prosecutions, Sir Ken Macdonald, has already turned down the offer.The UK has the right to request Mr Lugovoi be tried in Russia, but the UK's director of public prosecutions, Sir Ken Macdonald, has already turned down the offer.
The UK's director of public prosecutions has recommended Mr Lugovoi be tried for murder by "deliberate poisoning".The UK's director of public prosecutions has recommended Mr Lugovoi be tried for murder by "deliberate poisoning".