MOSCOW, January 09. /ITAR-TASS/. Russia insists medical assistance be provided to the crew of the trawler “Oleg Naidyonov”, Foreign Ministry Commissioner for Human Rights, Democracy and the Supremacy of Law Konstantin Dolgov told Itar-Tass.
“During the meeting (with the Senegalese charge d’affairs in Moscow), we said the rights and legal interests of the Russian trawler ‘Oleg Naidyonov’ crewmembers would be ensured. Medical assistance should be provided to those who need it, particularly to Captain Vadim Mantorov. The crewmembers should be provided all necessary things - foodstuffs, drinking water and power,” Dolgov said.
“Senegal should observe human rights obligations in full,” the diplomat added.
Russia demanded “the Russian crew be released immediately. Russia demanded the trawler should leave the port of Dakar and make for the open sea”, he said, adding “Firstly, we were pledged that our information would reach Dakar. Secondly, Senegal is rather scrupulous about observing its human rights obligations. Let’s see. We believe that this will be done.”
“Senegal has not lodged claims against the Russian trawler. Moreover, in defiance of international practice the Russian government was not informed on the detention and the arrest of the Russian trawler and its crew,” Dolgov said.
“It’s wrong and the Foreign Ministry insists explanations be given. If Senegal has no claims to a trawler owner, the pretensions should be formulated on a civilised basis in compliance with the existing bilateral and multilateral mechanisms. It is inadmissible to take the Russian crew and Russian citizens hostage,” the commissioner said.