Moscow urges London to publish results of inquiry into Skripal case
MOSCOW. March 5 (Interfax) - The British authorities should publish results of the inquiry into the poisoning of former GRU officer Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in Salisbury, the press secretary of the Russian embassy in London said in his reply to a media question on Monday.
"Once again, we urge the British authorities to honestly tell the public what exactly happened in Salisbury a year ago and to immediately publish official, although intermediate results of the investigative procedures," the press secretary said.
The embassy "has paid attention to the recent reports published by the British media on the occasion of the Salisbury incident's anniversary that allegedly contain 'new sensational details of the incident'," he said.
"The content of these reports evokes nothing but perplexity or even an ironic smile. Instead of providing clear information about the incident, they again refer to certain 'high-ranking sources in law enforcement agencies' and cite anonymous 'retired security service officers.' Of course, such information and speculations cannot be verified a priori, which inflates the mysterious atmosphere around the incident," the press secretary said.
"Besides, the articles add confusion to the situation," he said.
Russian citizens Sergei and Yulia Skripal were found unconscious in the British town of Salisbury on March 4, 2018. The British investigators said they were exposed to the Novichok (A-234) nerve agent. Their conclusions were later confirmed by a commission of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.
Yulia Skripal was discharged from the Salisbury hospital on April 9, and her father left the hospital on May 18. The UK classified their whereabouts. The Daily Telegraph reported citing its sources that Sergei and Yulia Skripal might be living in the UK's south.
Former GRU colonel Skripal was found guilty of high treason and spying for the UK in 2006. He was serving time until 2010 when the president pardoned him as part of the exchange of intelligence officers between Russia and the United States. Ten persons, among them Anna Chapman, were handed over to Russia. The UK granted asylum and citizenship to Skripal.
The UK blamed Russia for the attack on the Skripals.