Russia’s Foreign Ministry entitled to state. But not to do.

Statements made by Russia’s Foreign Ministry remarkably run counter to the reality. “Protection of our compatriots’ interests abroad is the ministry’s main task,” Igor Ivanov, the ministry’s chief is quoted by RIA Novosti as saying during his meeting with representatives of the so called “Russian-speaking population” in the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv. Yesterday, Pravda.ru reported of an awful situation arising with obtaining the Russian citizenship in Uzbekistan where applicants had to join a many-years’ queue, turning up every day for a roll-call. Is it what the ministry means by “protection of its compatriots?” As for Ukraine, where both Russian President and foreign minister have recently been, things seem not so bleak on this account. But what about Uzbekistan? As a saying goes, “the Orient is a delicate case.” Will wait until Mr. Putin’s next visit.