Russians protest Iraq incident
The Foreign Ministry complained Wednesday that a private security firm at Baghdad’s airport sought to search a vehicle belonging to the Russian Embassy and threatened violence during the incident.
The ministry said the armed employees worked for a company it identified as “Global,” apparently referring to London-based Global Strategies Group.
The actions Monday were a “rude violation” of international rules governing treatment of diplomats and could have had “serious consequences,” the ministry said.
“Thanks to the restraint and composure of our diplomats and their clear and proper actions, the incident was resolved,” it said.
The complaint from Russia, a vocal critic of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, came amid concern about the role of security contractors in Iraq after a shooting that left at least 11 Iraqi civilians dead. The private security firm Blackwater USA is under investigation for its role in the Sept. 16 shooting in Baghdad.
Global Strategies Group, which has been working in Iraq since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion, provides security services at Baghdad’s international airport.
Telephone calls and e-mails seeking comment were not immediately returned by the firm.
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