LONDON (Reuters) – Yulia Skripal, who was poisoned in Britain last month along with her father, a former Russian spy, said on Wednesday she did not wish to take up the offer of services from the Russian Embassy in London.
In a statement issued on her behalf by British police, Skripal said her father, Sergei, remained seriously ill and she was still suffering from the effects of nerve gas used against them in an attack that led to one of the biggest crises in Britain’s relations with Moscow since the Cold War.
“I have access to friends and family, and I have been made aware of my specific contacts at the Russian Embassy who have kindly offered me their assistance in any way they can,” Yulia Skripal said.
“At the moment I do not wish to avail myself of their services, but, if I change my mind I know how to contact them.”
The Russian Embassy in London has previously said it had not been granted consular access to the 33 year-old woman.
Following Yulia Skripal’s statement, the embassy said: “We continue to insist on a meeting with Yulia and Sergei Skripal. The situation around them looks more and more like a forceful detention or imprisonment.”
Yulia Skripal was discharged from a hospital in the English city of Salisbury on Monday, where, she said, she was treated ” with obvious clinical expertise and with such kindness”.
Skripal said she was not yet strong enough to give a media interview and she said comments made by her cousin to Russian media were not her’s nor those of her father.
“I thank my cousin Viktoria for her concern for us, but ask that she does not visit me or try to contact me for the time being,” the statement quoted her as saying.
The Skripals were in a critical condition for weeks after the March 4 attack before their health improved.
Sergei Skripal, who was recruited by Britain’s MI6, was arrested for treason in Moscow in 2004. He ended up in Britain after being swapped in 2010 for Russian spies caught in the United States.
Britain accused Russia of being behind the nerve agent attack and Western governments including the United States expelled more than 100 Russian diplomats. Russia has denied any involvement in the poisoning and retaliated in kind.
(Writing by William Schomberg; Editing by Angus MacSwan)
Dear Jim and all at Morningside,
My daughter and I are Aussies who love you and your show. We are members for CUFI and support Daystar to spread gods word and help Israel. I have been a Christian for 37 years and what you are saying on today’s show is so true. Sounds awful but after moving trying to find a church where you feel the love has been hard. I used to love going to church it was wonderful, but how you are saying it’s changed is so true. Even in the church hearts are growing cold and you don’t hear the bride waiting for Jesus the groom being excited or talking about the end times. I asked Jesus when I was crying out for his return and he said if only more felt like that. The church aren’t looking for me even though they know I am coming soon. It made me cry we should be so excited like a bride is on her wedding day knowing they will be with there from forever.
Just felt to share and we love you so much
Lisa& Michelle ????