Russia has plans to evacuate consulate general in Erbil

OSCOW– 17 October 2017: Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said on Tuesday that the Foreign Ministry has plans to evacuate the consulate general in Erbil, the capital of Iraqi Kurdistan.

The decision will be made, taking into account the situation on the ground, Sputnik quoted Bogdanov as saying.

"Each of our embassies, foreign institutions and consulates have relevant plans in case of emergency circumstances, armed conflicts and man-caused disasters," Bogdanov added.

He expressed hope that Baghdad and Erbil would hold a dialogue within the framework of Iraq's constitution.

He stressed the importance of maintaining the unity and sovereignty of Iraq.