Russia: Response by Russian MFA Spokesman Andrei Nesterenko to a Media Question Relating to Steps Taken by Russian Foreign Ministry in Connection with

Question: Reports of the incident that occurred on November 19 in Bagdad, when one of the armored vehicles of a US military column deliberately slammed into a Russian diplomatic car, have evoked a great public reaction. Our people miraculously escaped death, and then not even at the hands of terrorists. What steps did the Foreign Ministry take to protect the interests of our citizens and prevent future such incidents?

Answer: The Russian Embassy in Washington made a strong demarche to the US State Department demanding a thorough investigation into what happened, punishment for those guilty and the prevention of anything like this in the future. In addition, it stressed that we reserve the right to claim compensation for damage caused to the Russian citizens' health, as well as compensation for material and moral damage.

The American side said it was taking seriously what happened, would investigate and also expressed regret.

The head of the Russian diplomatic mission in Bagdad visited Iraq's Foreign Ministry, and during the conversation, urged the Iraqi side to also demand that the American side take action to exclude such incidents in the future. We recalled that the UN Security Council mandate for the multinational force, essentially US troops, provides for security assistance in Iraq, including, naturally, the protection of diplomatic missions. But it turns out that the Americans' real actions are quite the opposite.

The Iraqi side promised to take necessary action. An appropriate note was sent to the Iraqi Foreign Ministry. Upon our request the concrete military identity of the armored vehicles that took part in the provocation is going to be established.

As to the Russian citizens, the bruises and injuries they received are light and medium in terms of severity. They are under the observation of a physician.


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