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Self-proclaimed honorary consul of Chechnya shot dead in Ankara

The Russian embassy maintains contacts with local authorities to clarify the incident

ANKARA, May 23 (Itar-Tass) - A Medet Unlu, who proclaimed himself as a honorary consul of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria, has been killed in the Turkish capital, Turkish Foreign Ministry Spokesman Levent Gumrukcu told Itar-Tass on Thursday.

“We know about the murder. But allegations that this man was a honorary consul in Turkey are not true. He had no such official status,” he said. According to the spokesman, Unlu “was a Turkish citizen and a well-known businessman.” He allegedly had some links with Chechnya, but details will be cleared by investigators.

The incident took place on Wednesday night, that is why, the spokesman said, so far there is no official information. “In any case, investigation is underway and we expect its preliminary results in a couple of days,” Gumrukcu said.

According to media reports, Unlu was shot dead in Ankara late on May 22. The killers fled. Unlu’s dead body was found on Thursday morning.

The Russian embassy maintains contacts with local authorities to clarify the incident.

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