Global Geopolitical Series: Moscow refuses to accept Skripal probe without involvement of Russian specialist investigators

Alexander Shulgin, who is Russia’s permanent representative to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has cleared that Russia is counting on an open and transparent unbiased investigation by the OPCW and if Russian experts are not allowed to take part in the investigation, then the outcome of the probe would be rejected.

The OPCW experts have already collected samples in the British town of Salisbury, where former double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter, Yulia, were found in critical condition on March 4. Shulgin said that Russian experts were not allowed to take part in the investigation. He also added that Moscow had urged the OPCW to provide the information on the experts’ findings in Salisbury, but the call was rejected and the organization cited UK’s unwillingness to deal with Moscow. Shulgin further added, “We’ve asked the technical secretary of the OPCW if they would be willing to share information about the work conducted by the experts in England. The Technical Secretary replied that this is possible only with the prior consent of the British.”

An OPCW official said that samples are currently being analyzed in two OPCW approved laboratories and the result is likely to get published by next week.