Poisoned Ex-KGB Spy's Deathbed Statement

Nov. 24, 2006 — -- Here is the full text of the statement dictated by Alexander Litvinenko:

I would like to thank many people. My doctors, nurses and hospital staff whoare doing all they can for me; the British Police who are pursuing my case withvigor and professionalism and are watching over me and my family. I would liketo thank the British Government for taking me under their care. I am honoured tobe a British citizen.

I would like to thank the British public for their messages of support and forthe interest they have shown in my plight.

I thank my wife, Marina, who has stood by me. My love for her and our sonknows no bounds.

But as I lie here I can distinctly hear the beating of wings of the angel ofdeath. I may be able to give him the slip but I have to say my legs do not runas fast as I would like. I think, therefore, that this may be the time to sayone or two things to the person responsible for my present condition.

You may succeed in silencing me but that silence comes at a price. You haveshown yourself to be as barbaric and ruthless as your most hostile critics haveclaimed.

You have shown yourself to have no respect for life, liberty or any civilisedvalue.

You have shown yourself to be unworthy of your office, to be unworthy of thetrust of civilised men and women.

You may succeed in silencing one man but the howl of protest from around theworld will reverberate, Mr. Putin, in your ears for the rest of your life. MayGod forgive you for what you have done, not only to me but to beloved Russia andits people.

Alexander Litvinenko

21 November 2006