British judge opens inquiry into former Russian agent death July 31, 2014 - 17:20 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A British judge has opened an inquiry into the death of former Russian agent Alexander Litvinenko, saying the central question is whether the Russian state ordered the killing, the Associated Press reports. Litvinenko died in London in 2006 after drinking tea laced with radioactive polonium-210. On his deathbed, Litvinenko accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of responsibility. An inquest stalled over authorities' reluctance to disclose secret intelligence evidence. But this month — amid growing tensions with Moscow over violence in Ukraine — Britain announced a public inquiry into the death. Opening the inquiry on Thursday, Judge Robert Owen said some hearings would be held in private to hear sensitive evidence. But he said "I intend to make public my final conclusions on the issue of Russian state responsibility." Hearings are expected to start in January. Related links:   Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads.   Partner news |  Latest news Erdogan wants “realistic road map” for relations with Armenia  Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called for a “new realistic road map” for relations with Armenia.Armenia-Azerbaijan: Experts launch work on determining coordinates Expert groups from the countries started the process of determining the coordinates based on geodetic measurements.Yerevan says did not expect CSTO in peacekeeping role Pashinyan has declared that the CSTO would be expected to come to the Armenia-Azerbaijan border as an ally of ArmeniaHenrikh Mkhitaryan wins Serie A title with Inter Inter Milan midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan admits that the team have long been imagining clinching Serie A against AC Milan. |
