U.S. terms for visiting jailed Yaroshenko unfeasible - ministry
MOSCOW. Feb 28 (Interfax) - The United States has set unrealistic conditions for a visit by Russian diplomats and physicians of the Russian man Konstantin Yaroshenko at the Fort Dix prison in the U.S., the Russian Foreign Ministry's Commissioner for Human Rights, Democracy and Rule of Law Konstantin Dolgov said in a commentary.
"In particular, the U.S. has conditioned the provision of permission for Yaroshenko's examination by Russian doctors by their holding of a medical license valid in the state (New Jersey) in which the prison is located. This essentially rules out possibility for this humanitarian mission to be carried out," according to the commentary posted on the Russian Foreign Ministry's website on Thursday.
Such an unconstructive position in a situation where the health of the Russian citizen still raises serious fears is a cause for deep frustration and misunderstanding, the ministry said.
"We can confirm with our full responsibility that the entire blame for possible negative effects on Yaroshenko's life and health will lie with the U.S. authorities. We insist that the U.S. fully respect the Russian citizen's rights and interests in accordance with its international obligations," Dolgov said.
Russian diplomats are set to continue using whatever legal and diplomatic mechanisms available to ensure Yaroshenko returns to Russia safe and sound as soon as possible, the Russian ministry said.
In response to its multiple requests to the U.S. to assist in organizing an immediate visit to the jailed Yaroshenko by a delegation consisting of the Russian Foreign Ministry's commissioner for human rights, democracy and rule of law, senior diplomats from the Russian Embassy in Washington and the Consulate General in New York, as well as Russian doctors for full medical examination, the Russian Foreign Ministry received on February 26 a note from the U.S. Embassy in Moscow setting out the unrealistic terms for such a visit.
Yaroshenko was arrested in Liberia on May 28, 2010, on charges of plotting to transport a large amount of cocaine, and was then deported to the United States. On September 7, 2011 the Russian man was sentenced by a U.S. judge to 20 years in prison.
According to earlier reports, Yaroshenko's health deteriorated a couple of weeks ago. According to his relatives and lawyer, Yaroshenko is experiencing chest pain and has trouble breathing.
