Russian Consulates Toughen Visa Issuing

Russia's consulates in the Middle East and throughout the world have heightened vigilance while issuing visas, said Vladimir Kotenev, in charge of the Russian federal foreign ministry's consular service department. Those applying for Russian visas are, among other things, checked for having links to terrorist groupings, according to Kotenev. When asked to comment on the visa restrictions Ukraine has introduced as regard to a number of Middle East residents, Kotenev said the Ukrainian foreign ministry did not notify Russia about the restrictions.