Looking into Putin's eyes (cont.)

Yushchenko: Russia blocking poisoning probe

By Bonnie Malkin
Daily Telegraph

Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko has said officials in Russia were hindering an investigation to determine who was behind his poisoning during the 2004 presidential election campaign.

Yuschenko says Russia is blocking poisoning probe
Mr Yushchenko before and after the poisoning

The president told The Times Russian laboratories were refusing to provide samples of the dioxin poison, even though he had discussed the matter with Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin. He also said Russia was refusing to extradite three suspects.

"Three laboratories in the world were producing dioxin of this formula. It is very easy to determine the origin of the substance; there is nothing magical about it," he told the Times.

"Two laboratories provided samples but not the Russian side. This, of course, limits the possibilities of the investigation process."

Mr Yushchenko, a pro-European politician who wanted to bring his country out of Russia's shadow, fell seriously ill on September 6, 2004 as he was competing in presidential elections against a pro-Moscow candidate, Viktor Yanukovich, now prime minister.

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