LOC21:30
18:30 GMT
MOSCOW, Feb 20 (KUNA) -- Russia on Monday announced death of its permanent representative to the UN Vitaly Churkin.
"Russia has lost a leading diplomat and a distinguished person," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova was quoted by Interfax news agency as saying.
She said Churkin passed away while carrying out his duties in New York. He was 65.
Churkin was appointed as Ambassador to Belgium and Canada before taking over the UN position. (end)
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