French FM tells Moscow to explain Navalny 'facts'

The French foreign minister on Friday said it was time for Russia to explain "the facts, with transparancy" behind the poisoning of opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

Speaking in Slovenia, Jean-Yves le Drian said the attack on Navalny was "unacceptable" as it undermined the "values that are the cornerstone of our democracies".

If an explanation did not materialise from Moscow, the European Union would have to discuss what steps to take next, he warned.

The French minister discussed the Navalny poisoning and other matters with senior Slovenian leaders during his visit, including the prime minister and foreign minister.