Russian ambassador rebuts accusations in UK ex-spy poisoning case
Beware of fake news, dear friends. Make no mistake that everything that you hear from liars in the UK and mainstream Western media about the tragic incident with Russian citizens Mr Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia, in Salisbury, UK on March 4 is absolute nonsense.
The Russian government has nothing to do with the poisoning of Mr Skripal but is ready to cooperate with a view to investigating the incident and finding out the truth.
The truth is what really matters. Including the truth about what has happened after the incident. But it seems so difficult for some people to remain unbiased. Even when they face facts of life like the discussion in the UN Security Council on March 15. Even the title of the article carried by The Nation on March 16 “UN backs Britain as it expels Russians after ex-spy poisoning” contains fake news.
The United Nations never supported false accusations against Russia. Please don’t mix up the UN with irresponsible member states who jumped on conclusions violating their legal obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC).
Now take note of what must be done to establish the truth. This simple road map was laid out by Russia’s Foreign Minister Mr Sergey Lavrov shortly after the incident.
First, according to the CWC (both Russia and the UK are parties to it), in case of suspected use of a toxic substance banned by the Convention, the country affected should immediately address the country that is
suspected of the production of this particular poisoning substance.
Second, the query must be answered within 10 days. If the answer does not satisfy the first country it should address the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Executive Council and the conference of the states parties to the CWC.
Third, the suspected country has every right to receive an access to the substance to conduct its own analysis. Russia requested the access by sending an official note as soon as the rumours spread by almost everyone in British leadership the substance was produced in the Russian Federation. But London refused it the request, with no explanation.
Last but not least. Who may be interested in poisoning Mr Skripal, a former Russian intelligence officer who defected to the UK many years ago? Could it be Russia, which is preparing for the presidential elections today? Could it be Russia, which has made endless efforts to resume constructive cooperation with its Western partners? Could it be Russia, which is hosting the Fifa World Cup 2018 this coming summer?
Think for yourself.
Kirill Barsky
Russian ambassador to Thailand
