Britain and Russia seek better relations

MOSCOW, Oct. 13 (UPI) -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Wednesday his country wants to see "comprehensive developments in Russian-UK relations."

Lavrov made the comment during a meeting in Moscow with visiting British Foreign Secretary William Hague, the official Russian news agency RIA Novosti reported.

It was Hague's first trip to Russia since becoming head of British foreign affairs.

Prior to his visit, Hague acknowledged that relations between Britain and Russia have been strained for many years.

The controversial death of former KGB officer Alexander Litvinenko in London in 2006 is among the issues that have caused tensions between the two nations. Also mentioned is the Russian-Georgian military conflict in August 2008.

Russia has accused Britain of acting as a refuge for fugitive Russian businessmen.