America, France and Germany join with Britain to condemn Russia over spy poisoning
2 min read
World leaders from three powerful nations have joined Theresa May in declaring the nerve agent attack in Salisbury an “assault on UK sovereignty” by Russia.
US president Donald Trump, French president Emmanuel Macron and German chancellor Angela Merkel issued a joint statement with the Prime Minister condemning the attack.
They said it was the “first offensive use of a nerve agent in Europe since the Second World War” and “threatens the security of us all”.
Former double agent Sergei Skripal, his daughter Yulia and a police officer remain in hospital after the potentially deadly chemical attack almost two weeks ago.
The Prime Minister announced a range of retaliatory measures against Russia yesterday after concluding Moscow was almost definitely behind the attack.
Today the trio of global leaders weighed in behind her, agreeing that there was “no plausible alternative explanation” other than that Russia was to blame.
“This use of a military-grade nerve agent, of a type developed by Russia, constitutes the first offensive use of a nerve agent in Europe since the Second World War,” they declared in a joint statement.
“It is an assault on UK sovereignty and any such use by a state party is a clear violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention and a breach of international law. It threatens the security of us all.”
They added: “We share the UK assessment that there is no plausible alternative explanation, and note that Russia´s failure to address the legitimate request by the UK government further underlines its responsibility.
“We call on Russia to address all questions related to the attack in Salisbury.”
And they said: “Our concerns are also heightened against the background of a pattern of earlier irresponsible Russian behaviour.
“We call on Russia to live up to its responsibilities as a member of the UN Security Council to uphold international peace and security.”
Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson argued Russian President Vladimir Putin used the attack to “send a message” to Russians that they must not defect to another country.
He told LBC radio: “You betray Russia, this is what happens to you. That’s the message.”
Meanwhile, Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson told the Russian government to “go away and shut up” after the attack.
Mrs May is today in Salisbury to meet members of the public, businesses and emergency services in the wake of the attack.
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