posted on November 30, 2006 12:14:00 PM new
Spy Radiation Fears Grow
Updated: 19:00, Thursday November 30, 2006
Traces of radiation have been detected at 12 locations by experts probing the death of former Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko.
Home Secretary John Reid revealed 24 unnamed locations have been or are currently being monitored, including two British Airways panes.
In another development, it has emerged a former Russian Prime Minister is seriouly ill in hospital - possibly the victim of poisoning.
Yegor Gaidar fell ill during a book tour of Ireland and was flown back to Russia for emergency treatment.
In the UK, low levels of radiation have been found on two BA jets connected to the case.
A third is being held in Moscow until it is safe for it to return.
Mr Reid said checks had been carried out on a fourth plane which flew into Heathrow from Moscow on Thursday morning.
The Russian Boeing 737, which is leased by Transaero, was later given the all clear.
Mr Litvinenko in hospital
Mr Reid said concerns have been raised about a fifth plane - also a Russian aircraft.
BA is contacting 33,000 passengers and 3,000 staff after \"low levels of radioactive traces\" were found on the two jets at Heathrow. Both had flown between London and Moscow.
A spokesman said they were being examined because \"individuals involved in the Litvinenko case\" had travelled on them.
Five and a half thousand passengers have called a BA helpline since the radiation alert was issued.
Mr Reid told MPs around 1,700 calls has been made to NHS direct following the scare.
Some 69 people have been referred to the Health Protection Agency as a precaution.
Of the 29 tested, none had worrying results. A further 18 had been referred to specialist clinics.
Mr Litvinenko - a fierce critic of Russian president Vladimir Putin - died last week of radiation poisoning after being exposed to polonium 210.
Russian leader Vladimir Putin
An inquest into his death has been opened at St Pancras Coroner\'s Court, London. It was adjourned so police can continue their investigation.
After the brief hearing a friend said: \"We still believe that this was a murder perpetrated by agents of the Russian intelligence service.\"
The Kremlin has denied any responsibility for Mr Litvinenko\'s death, describing it as a \"tragedy\".
Inquiries so far have focused on the ex-KGB man\'s movements, including his meetings at a West End sushi restaurant and a hotel on 1 November, the day he fell ill.
It has been suggested polonium 210 could be present in other locations because it leaked from a container or was present in people\'s bodily fluids.
The BA phone number for passengers is 0845 604 0171, and an international helpline can be reached on 0191 211 3690.
Alternatively, visit the British Airways website.
More on This Story:
\'Ex-Russian PM Poisoned\'
BA Flights Affected
British Airways Statement
Italian Gets The All-Clear
Spy Mystery Timeline
Polonium 210 Factfile
Video BA Radiation Alert
Video Planes Are Tested
Video Hospital Staff At Risk
==============
Anyone keeping tabs on this story? What do you think went on?
"While the democratic party complains about everything THIS President does to protect our Nation": "What would a Democrat president have done at that point?"
"Apparently, the answer is: Sit back and wait for the next terrorist attack."
posted on November 30, 2006 02:05:43 PM new
Eating raw fish is just not smart.
____________________________________________
May 1, 2003, America brings "democracy" to Iraq. November 7, 2006, Iraq brings democracy to America.
