Self-exiled Russian tycoon Boris Berezovsky says he is plotting the violent overthrow of President Vladimir Putin. In an interview with the British daily "The Guardian," Berezovsky, who has political asylum in Britain, said it is not possible to change the regime in Russia "without force, pressure." Asked if he is effectively fomenting a revolution, Berezovsky answered, "You are absolutely correct."
He said he is already in close contact with members of Russia's political elite who share his views, but he refused to provide details.
He said he is offering his "experience and ideology," as well as financial support.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov denounced Berezovsky's comments as a criminal offense that he said should undermine Berezovsky's asylum status in Britain.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has called on Britain to strip Berezovsky of his asylum status.
"There is a longstanding request [from Russia to Britain] to end the situation in which Boris Berezovsky takes advantage of his refugee status, grossly abusing this status, committing actions that, under British legislation, require his extradition," Lavrov said.
He said London knows "perfectly well" about Berezovsky's activities.
Prosecutor-General Yury Chaika has ordered a criminal investigation into Berezovsky's statements.
This is not the first time Berezovsky has said he wanted Putin overthrown by force. After he made similar comments last year, then-Foreign Secretary Jack Straw warned him he might lose his asylum status.
Russia then asked for Berezovsky's extradition but a British judge turned down the request.
Copyright (c) 2006. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. www.rferl.org
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