UK Amb. on Russian Spy Poisoning: We Use the Phrase ‘Highly Likely’ Because Only a Court Can Finally Determine Culpability

EXCERPT:

PIERCE: "As the prime minister made clear in the British parliament, we know that the Russian state has investigated ways of assassination through the use of nerve agents. The third reason is Russia’s record of conducting state sponsored assassinations. And I don’t want to detain the council, Mr. President, by going through a long list, but I can provide examples if anyone would like to hear them. And we also made our own assessment that Russia views defectors as suitable targets for assassination. And indeed, there are public statements from Russian leaders to that effect. I’d like if I may, Mr. President, just to say something about the use of the phrase 'highly likely.' We use this phrase because under the British system, only a court can finally determine culpability. So the use of the phrase 'highly likely' is a reflection of our judicial process and should not be construed as casting doubt whatsoever on the likelihood of Russia being responsible."