Russia taking efforts to end crisis in Syria: Consul General Sergey L Kotov

Russia is taking efforts to restore peace in Syria and is extending support to the government there in resolving the humanitarian crisis, Russian Consul General here Sergey L Kotov said today.

"My country is taking all possible steps to resolve the humanitarian crisis in Syria. We are together with the Syrian Government and taking lot of efforts for quick and peaceful resolving of the situation in Syria", he said.

He stated this while briefing reporters on the Russian presidential elections, due on March 18.

Ballot boxes from Vishakapatnam, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Thiruvananthapuram, Tirunelveli and Puducherry, which come under the Russian Consulate here,have been brought to Chennai.

After the polling on Sunday, the boxes would be sent to Moscow, he said.

On how many Indian students were taking up studies in Russian universities, he said there has been a rise in the number.

"Last year, 1,236 students went from South India to Russia. Most of them are taking up courses on medicine. In the previous year, over 900 students went to Russia," he added.