Russia against politicizing Lugovoi's extradition case: Lavrov

Moscow, July 13 (UNI) Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow did not want to politicize the situation around the Andrei Lugovoi's extradition case.

''I read reports in British media on the issue and was surprised to learn that the British Foreign Office was now in charge of Lugovoi's case. So far, we have not received any official confirmation,'' Lavrov told Itar-Tass news agency.

This case is a criminal one and must be considered by concerned agencies, Lavrov said adding If the fact that the British Foreign Office is handling it, is confirmed, it will mean that it is a political game.

The Times reported Wednesday that the British Foreign Office planned to present a report on Russia's decision to parliament next week, which could include proposals to curb cooperation with Moscow in education, social affairs, trade and counterterrorism. Lavrov also warned the British government against politicizing the matter.

''Plans to politicize the issue and prepare some blueprint for the British authorities to damage relations with Russia - well, I have read all this, but I would not like to believe it,'' he said.

Moscow has refused to extradite Lugovoi for trial as main accused in the murder of former KGB spy Alexander Litvinenko, last November.

Litvinenko died of radioactive polonium-210 poisoning in a London hospital.

Lugovoi, who met Litvinenko on the day of his poisoning, has denied involvement and claimed that he had evidence linking Britain's intelligence agency MI6 to the murder of Litvinenko and his employer, Russian tycoon Boris Berezovsky, living in London in political asylum.

UNI