The first group of Russians may be evacuated from Libya as early as Tuesday if the curfew in the country's capital, Tripoli, does not obstruct their movement to the airport, an Emergencies Ministry spokesman said.
Movement in Tripoli was restricted after a curfew came into effect earlier on Tuesday, which makes it almost impossible for people leaving the country to reach the airport as well as getting flight clearances from authorities to take off.
"A Russian Emergencies Ministry Il-76 may depart for Moscow after refueling today if the curfew does not change anything," the spokesman said.
Russian Ambassador to Libya Vladimir Chamov said earlier on Tuesday Libyan authorities issued permission for Russian planes to land at Tripoli's airport to evacuate Russian nationals.
Russia is sending four airplanes to evacuate a total of 563 Russians from Libya. Most of them are employees of the Russian Railways monopoly and the Gazprom energy giant or families of Russian diplomats.
Russia will also be sending a passenger vessel, which can hold 1,000 people, from Montenegro on Wednesday. The ship will take on Russian, Turkish and Serbian passengers working in Libya under a contract with Russian Railways. Once the passengers are on board, the vessel will head to Istanbul.
According to international organizations, up to 500 people have been killed by government forces since protests against the country's longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi began on February 15.
MOSCOW, February 22 (RIA Novosti)
