Russian FM monitoring situation surrounding presumed Russian citizens' death in CAR - Zakharova
MOSCOW. July 31 (Interfax) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has received information about the situation surrounding the death of presumed Russian citizens in the Central African Republic (CAR), Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said.
"The minister was informed. [He is] monitoring the situation," Zakharova told the Rossiya 24 (VGTRI) television channel.
Employees of the central office of the Russian Foreign Ministry are in contact with both Russian law enforcement structures and Russian diplomats working with the CAR's law enforcement agencies, she said.
"Relatives will receive all necessary assistance," the Foreign Ministry spokesperson said.
Meanwhile, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on its website that "the Russian Embassy in the CAR, unfortunately, was not informed about the Russian journalists' stay in the country."
"Employees of our diplomatic mission are now in close contact with local law enforcement agencies and government entities to determine all circumstances of the Russian citizens' deaths and take all measures to transport their bodies home," the Russian Foreign Ministry said on its website.
According to information from the Central African Republic, on July 30, three people carrying only press cards issued in the names of Kirill Radchenko, Alexander Rastorguyev and Orkhan Dzhemal were killed not far from the town of Sibut in 300 kilometers from the CAR's capital, Bangui. Their bodies have already been brought to Bangui.