Russia to reduce relations with Qatar

Russia said Monday it will be reducing the level of diplomatic relations the country has with Qatar, after an incident involving the Russian ambassador. "On Nov. 29, at Doha's International Airport, Russian Ambassador to Qatar Vladimir Titorenko, who was returning from Jordan, was attacked by the airport's safety service and the customs, during the delivery of diplomatic mail," the Foreign Ministry reported. On Sunday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had a telephone conversation with Qatar's prime minister, Sheik Hamad bin Jassim al-Thani, to inform him of Russia's plan, ITAR-Tass reported. "Due to Qatar's aggressive actions an attempt was made to physically affect the Russian ambassador and an official from the Russian Embassy to Qatar," spokesman Alexander Lukashevich said earlier. "Russian Ambassador Vladimir Titorenko will leave Qatar within days after he completes medical treatment," the ministry said.