Britain:The Royal Academy in London last night said it expected its landmark From Russia exhibition to go ahead after the British government took the unusual step of bringing forward "immunity from seizure" legislation.
The government made the move after Russia threatened not to lend its valuable paintings, by renowned artists like Renoir, Cezanne, Van Gogh and Picasso, to the show.
With just weeks before the exhibition was due to open, Russia insisted loans from its museums would not go ahead unless Britain stepped up its legal protection.
It feared disputes with individuals who claim the works were looted from their families during the 1917 Russian revolution.
The British government said it has assured Russia the works were protected under Russian law, but decided to bring forward legislation to save the exhibition.
Both British and Russian governments have denied that the standoff relates to the fall-out from the murder of former KGB agent Alexander Litvinenko in London last year.
- (PA)