Russia eyes possible evacuation of nationals from Egypt

Source:Xinhua Published: 2013-8-16 22:05:24

Russian passenger airlines were ordered to compile a list of measures for potential evacuation of Russian nationals from Egypt, national aviation watchdog Rosaviatsia said on August 16.

"Rosaviatsia has informed the air carriers about the necessity to urgently work out measures for removing passengers from Egyptian territory in case emergency circumstances occur and to draft alternative routes in case flights from Cairo, Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurgada become impossible," the watchdog said on its website.

Egypt, along with Turkey, is the most popular "sun destination" among Russians, who are attracted by the relatively low cost of holiday packages and few visa restrictions.

According to Russian tourism agency Rostourism, currently there are about 55,000 Russians vacationing in various Egyptian resorts.

"The situation at the Egyptian resorts remains calm. So far, no one has asked to bring them home earlier. But if someone would ask to, the tourism operators are ready to do so," Rostourism spokeswoman Irina Shchegolkova told reporters.

On Thursday, Rostourism announced plans to dispatch its representatives in Egypt's resorts to monitor safety situations there and assist Russian holiday-makers in case of emergency.

Russia Wednesday closed its consular section in Cairo for two days, citing security concerns amid a "dangerous escalation of domestic political crisis."

Russian Foreign Ministry warned citizens not to leave the guarded resorts and not to travel to major cities, including Cairo.

Egypt's security forces started on Thursday evening to disperse a new sit-in supporting ousted President Mohamed Morsi in Cairo.

At least 500 people had been killed and 3,000 others injured in clashes between security forces and Muslim Brotherhood supporters, according to official figures.

Egypt has announced a state of emergency for one month and imposed a curfew on a number of turmoil-hit provinces including Cairo, Alexandria, North and South Sinai.

Posted in: Europe

blog comments powered by Disqus