China hopes Russia, UK will properly handle poisoning case based on facts

Beijing hopes that Moscow and London will be able to properly handle the poisoning case of former officer of Russia’s Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU) Sergei Skripal in the UK relying exclusively on facts, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said on Tuesday.

“We have seen relevant reports. The authorities of both the UKand Russia made their statements on this issue, we hope that all interested sides will be able to find an appropriate solution to settle this issue relying on facts and by means of optimal channels,” Lu said at a briefing.

On Monday, Prime Minister Theresa May said that it was “highly likely” that Russia was responsible for the suspected poisoning of Skripal.

May said that the substance used in the poisoning was identified as a Novichok class, military-grade nerve agent developed in Russia.

In an ultimatum to Russia, May demanded an explanation for the poisoning by the end of Tuesday and threatened to apply harsh response measures.

The prime minister added that she would discuss the measures against Russia with parliament on Wednesday.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova called May’s remarks a “circus show.”

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has pointed out that no facts proving Russia’s involvement in the incident have been provided.

President Vladimir Putin said Monday that the UK should get to the bottom of Skripal’s poisoning before discussing the incident with Russia.

Skripal and his daughter Yulia were found unconscious on March 8 on a bench at a shopping center in Salisbury. Both of them remain in critical condition and are being treated for suspected exposure to a chemical.