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Russia may send one more delegation of experts to inspect airports in Egypt — source

CAIRO, February 13. /TASS/. Russia plans to send at least one more delegation of experts to inspect security of Egyptian airports, a source with the airport of Cairo told TASS on Monday.

"It is certain that there will be one more delegation," the source said without specifying the airports where the checks will be conducted.

Last week, Egypt’s Ministry of Civil Aviation made it clear that the check the second terminal at Cairo International Airport that took place in early February was not final.

"In response to media reports and reports on websites that the visit of Russian experts was final before resumption of flights, the ministry states the following: deadlines for resumption of flight connections have not been determined yet. We ask journalists to refrain from spreading unofficial information," the ministry said.

Earlier on Monday, Egyptian media reported citing sources in the capital's airport that the recent inspection by Russian experts revealed a number of shortcomings in activities of security personnel in case of emergency situations. In particular, according to the reports, three experts were trying to smuggle a fake bomb into the airport building, and each time the law enforcers managed to find the bomb. However, the Russian experts were not satisfied with their actions after detection of explosives: no measures were taken to cordon the danger zone and evacuate people from there. The experts instructed the airport management to hold a special training for the personnel. According to representatives of the airport, the Russian experts’ remarks do not directly concern the airport’s security. However, as sources of publication indicated "the Russian party made it clear that failure to comply with these instructions may lead to further delay in resumption of flight connection.

After the crash of the Russian aircraft on Sinai on October 31, 2015, and the death of 224 passengers Russia suspended flight connection with Egypt. The resumption of flights is being discussed now but Moscow insists that Cairo should fully meet all the requirements of Russia to ensure the safety of passengers. This applies both to the capital's airport and air harbors of such resorts as Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada.

The exact terms of resumption of flights have not been accounted yet but, reportedly, it is possible in late February-early March. Before that, Moscow and Cairo are yet to sign an agreement on aviation security.