MOSCOW. Dec 22 (Interfax) - The Russian crew of the UN helicopter that was shot down by the South Sudan army on Friday were experienced and well-trained, according to the chief executive of the Russian airline that had the aircraft used by the UN mission in the African country under a contract.

"They were from various cities, but they were first-class airmen. The commander had clocked up more flight hours than the others had - about 7,000, - he had been through Afghanistan, and so was very experienced. Saying that the crew were poorly trained