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Diplomat explains why it is hard to find new Russia's ambassador to Turkey

The diplomat added that such a post cannot remain vacant for too long
Russian Embassy in Ankara  Kirill Zharov/TASS
Russian Embassy in Ankara
© Kirill Zharov/TASS

MOSCOW, January 13. /TASS/. The post of Russia’s ambassador to Turkey, which is an important country in an important region, cannot remain vacant for long, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexei Meshkov told TASS. According to him, security measures have been stepped up in Russia’s diplomatic offices in Turkey.

"After the tragic death of Andrei Karlov, it is difficult to find a new appropriate candidate," he said. "However, the post of our ambassador to such an important country as Turkey cannot remain vacant for long."

The diplomat also said that issues related to the safety of Russia’s diplomatic missions were solved depending on the changing local situation.

"Security measures at Russia’s diplomatic offices in Turkey will be stepped up in close consultation with Turkey’s authorities. Some serious steps have been already taken by Turkey," Meshkov added.

Russia’s Ambassador to Turkey, Andrei Karlov, was gunned down on December 19 while he was delivering a speech at the opening ceremony of a photo exhibition.

The attacker was immediately neutralized by security forces. Russia’s foreign ministry officially declared it a terrorist attack, while the Investigative Committee opened a criminal case labeling Karlov’s assassination an act of international terrorism. Andrei Karlov was posthumously awarded the title of the Hero of Russia.