On Friday, Lavrov said that Moscow had elaborated a system of measures to increase security staff and to improve technical protection in its overseas diplomatic missions.
"You have mentioned a tragic death of Russian Ambassador to Turkey Andrey Karlov. Security is now our first priority. After the tragedy in Ankara and President Putin’s request, we made additional proposals on improving the safety of our diplomatic missions, diplomats, other employees of embassies and consulates general… The proposals have been approved and are being implemented," Lavrov said in the interview.
"In the countries with ongoing internal armed conflicts we use special forces units and such units are currently deployed in 12 states. As the analysis of the situation continues, we will consider the need to extend this list together with our colleagues from the security services," Lavrov stated.
On December 19, 2016, Karlov was shot by Turkish off-duty police officer Mevlut Mert Altintas at the opening of an art gallery exhibition. Three more people were injured in the shooting. The attacker was killed at the scene by the police.
On December 20, Putin ordered to boost security measures in Russia and Russian missions abroad and to expand cooperation with foreign security agencies on anti-terror issues.
