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Middle East and North Africa

Russia to reopen cultural centre in Damascus as situation allows

MOSCOW, November 30, 23:45 /ITAR-TASS/. Russia will reopen its cultural centre in Damascus as soon as the situation allows, Head of the Federal Agency for CIS Affairs, Compatriots Abroad and International Humanitarian Cooperation Konstantin Kosachev said.

“The centre was temporarily closed because of the obvious danger for its personnel. Unlike the Embassy, the centre works in as open a manner as can be possible. Access is not restricted and it was quite reasonable to assume that someone who did not like Russia’s policy with regard to Syria might want to carry out an act of revenge against the centre personnel. This is why its reopening will depend on the actual situation in the country,” Kosachev said on Saturday, November 30.

He noted that Russia would like to reopen the centre at the earliest opportunity. “We are ready to resume its operation in the most expedient manner and we have employees who are prepared to go there at any time. But again, it all depends on the external circumstances,” Kosachev said.

He noted that both the Syrians and Russians living in Damascus were waiting for this event. “People need it, Syrians need it and our compatriots need it, too,” he added.

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Middle East and North Africa

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