URGENT: Russia to open consulate in Basra

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: Russia intends to open a consulate in southern Iraq ’s city of Basra , visiting Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, said in Baghdad on Tuesday.   “ Russia shall open a consulate in Basra , being part of its efforts to boost the Russian presence in Iraq ,” Lavrov told a   joint news conference he held with his Iraqi counterpart, Hoshiar Zibary in Baghdad .   “We have also granted scholarships for Iraqi students to study in Russia , whilst Iraqi diplomats are being rehabilitated in the Russian Academy ,” he said.   SKH (PT)   446