Nato urges Russia to answer UK questions on spy poisoning

BRUSSELS: All 29 Nato countries urged Russia Wednesday to answer Britain’s questions over the poisoning of an ex-spy in what they called the first ever offensive use of a nerve agent on the alliance’s territory.

The joint statement by the 29 member countries of the US-led alliance said the attack against Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in Salisbury, southwest England, was a “clear breach of international norms and agreements”. “Allies expressed deep concern at the first offensive use of a nerve agent on Alliance territory since Nato’s foundation,” said the statement by the North Atlantic Council, which groups Nato allies.

“Allies expressed solidarity with the UK, offered their support in the conduct of the ongoing investigation, and called on Russia to address the UK’s questions, including providing full and complete disclosure of the Novichok programme to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons”, they added.

British Prime Minister Theresa May has said a “military grade” nerve agent known as Novichok was used in the March 4 incident. “Allies agreed that the attack was a clear breach of international norms and agreements,” the statement said.

Nato secretary general Jens Stoltenberg added in a tweet: “I welcome that the 29 NATO Allies have just agreed a statement expressing full solidarity with the UK and offering support after the Salisbury attack.”