UNITED NATIONS, March 4 (Xinhua) -- A Russian UN envoy on Monday reiterated Moscow's call for direct access to former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter, who allegedly suffered a nerve agent attack in Britain a year ago.
London has the obligation to allow Moscow such access under the international convention and bilateral treaties, Russian First Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Dmitry Polyanskiy told a press conference in New York.
He added Russia needs to hear directly from the Skripals whether they wish to deal with the Russian side or not.
On March 4, 2018, Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia Skripal were found unconscious in Salisbury after reportedly being exposed to a military-grade nerve agent. They spent weeks in critical condition but recovered.
London accused Moscow of being behind the attack while Moscow denied the claim.
At Monday's press briefing, Polyanskiy said the Russian side has only seen a video address by Yulia Skripal almost a year ago and some written documents "attributed to them" saying they do not want to speak with Russian authorities.
He stressed the need for "physical contact," asking: "Are they alive? Are they in Britain? Are they elsewhere? We don't know anything."
He further said the Skripals' situation could qualify as "a forced detention or even abduction of two Russian nationals" and Russia will try to use official channels to get access to these people.
