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21 Jun 2022, 17:32

Russian embassy requests Norway to ensure food supplies to Spitsbergen Island

The Russian diplomats hope to get a positive response for the humanitarian purpose of ensuring stability in the Russian settlements, Russia’s Consul General on Spitsbergen Sergey Gushchin noted

MOSCOW, June 21. /TASS/. The Russian embassy in Oslo has asked Norway’s authorities to ensure transit of goods to Russian settlements on the island of Spitsbergen, Russia’s Consul General on Spitsbergen Sergey Gushchin said.

"We raised the issue with the governor of Spitsbergen at a meeting on May 18, the top managers of Arktikugol sent a message to him on May 25, asking to lift a ban on the road transit of Russian goods. In addition, the Russian embassy sent a note to the Norwegian Foreign Ministry, asking for an exception. It is currently under consideration at the Norwegian Foreign Ministry. We hope to get a positive response for the humanitarian purpose of ensuring stability in the Russian settlements," he told the Rossiya-24 TV channel.

According to the diplomat, two shipping containers with seven tonnes of food, as well as with equipment for ships and cars, have been stuck on the Russian-Norwegian border since April 30. "All this is crucial for ensuring Russian presence on Spitsbergen, particularly amid preparations for the winter season," Gushchin noted.

Although the range of available food products has reduced, local residents aren't facing any food shortages as Arktikugol is purchasing goods from European countries, the diplomat stressed.

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