Moscow to discuss security of Russian citizens with Syrian foreign minister
MOSCOW. Feb 22 (Interfax) - Moscow will discuss security of Russian citizens in Syria with Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Mualem on February 25.
"The Moscow negotiations will touch upon security of Russian citizens and missions in Syria. This is our priority. Syrian authorities are assisting in our efforts, including reinforced protection of the Russian Embassy in Damascus from possible terrorist attacks and other dangers," says a commentary of the Russian Foreign Ministry information and press department.
Syria helped the safe departure of two groups of citizens of Russia and other CIS countries via Lebanon in January 2013 and from Latakia in February, the ministry said.
Syrian authorities "also provided assistance in the release of Russian citizens V.V. Gorelov and A.S. Hassun and their Italian colleague who were working Syria on a private contract and were abducted near Homs in December 2012," it noted.
Russian humanitarian aid to the civilian population of Syria will also be discussed with the Syrian minister, the report said.
