'Spy scare' will be short-lived says Russian diplomat Alexander Sternik

A top Russian diplomat in the UK has told the BBC's Bridget Kendall the Russian government will do its best to ensure the rights of MP's aide Katia Zatuliveter will be observed.

Miss Zatuliveter was arrested for allegedly spying for Moscow, after she worked for Liberal Democrat MP Mike Hancock. She denies the accusation and is fighting deportation.

Alexander Sternik, charge d'affaires at the Russian embassy in London, said he thought the ''spy scare" would be short lived.