Russian Embassy in Baghdad Continues its Work

The Russian Embassy in Baghdad continues its work. A well-informed source in Moscow has reported that the present situation around the Russian embassy is quiet. The district where it is located, is controlled by US troops, the source said. 12 employees are staying in the embassy. They all "feel well and are trying to ensure security of the objects on the territory of the Russian embassy".

Russian Ambassador to Iraq Vladimir Titorenko may return to Baghdad in the near future.

At the same time, international phone communication with the embassy has not been restored yet. The communication was cut off a few days after the military operation began.

Yesterday the Russian President demanded that the USA should fully comply with commitments belligerent countries have towards diplomat missions. "The location of our mission is well known" and Russia "repeatedly received official assurance" that the embassy would not suffer any damage, the Russian Foreign Ministry's official spokesman Alexander Yakovenko said. Moscow "proceeds from the assumption that any hostile action from any party will be a grave violation of the Vienna convention on diplomatic immunities and privileges and the definite bilateral commitments the belligerent parties have given us," he pointed out.