Russians working in Iraq may be evacuated if there is threat to their security - diplomat
MOSCOW. Nov 22 (Interfax) - Russia is prepared to arrange an emergency evacuation of employees of Russian companies working in Iraq if there is a direct threat to their security on the part of the Islamists, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister and special presidential representative for the Middle East and Africa Mikhail Bogdanov said in an interview with Interfax.
"In case of emergency situations, we are maintaining permanent contact with the Russian companies operating in Iraq, counting on the resources of the Russian embassies and consulates general both in Iraq and the neighboring countries. Everyone understands their duties in case of a dramatic exacerbation of the situation, which could call for a partial or full evacuation, including the need to take employees who could find themselves in the hotbed of military activities or terrorist attacks to safe places," he said.
"The military-political situation in Iraq is very alarming at the moment, as the terrorist group ISIL has occupied vast territories both in Iraq and in Syria, including districts where oil and gas fields are located," Bogdanov said.
"It is a challenge for the Iraqi authorities to regain control of these districts as soon as possible with the international community's support. At the same time, there are a lot of areas controlled by the government, although there is a high level of terrorist threat there as well. We have to take all this into account and take the necessary measures, including preemptive ones, in coordination with the Iraqi authorities, so as not to risk our people's lives. Their security is an absolute priority for us," he said.
"Our major national oil and gas companies, such as Lukoil and Gazprom, are taking relevant steps in coordination with us to ensure security of their employees," Bogdanov said.
The full version of Bogdanov's interview will be available later on www.interfax.ru.
