Armenia bans entry to former Russian senator Without Explanation

Frants Klintsevich, former deputy of the Russian State Duma and ex-senator of the Federation Council, as well as head of the Union of Afghan War Veterans, was refused entry into Armenia at Zvartnots International Airport on a recent private trip.

According to Klintsevich, border officials informed him at passport control that he was not permitted to enter the country and instructed him to return to Russia, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

Speaking to Komsomolskaya Pravda, he said, “The border guards told me I am not allowed to enter. I came here to meet with people who helped me establish a monument to Afghan war veterans.”

The reasons for the refusal of entry were not disclosed by Armenian authorities. 

"No one explained to me the reasons why I was suddenly denied entry. But the border guards were polite," he added.

According to Klintsevich, he was not going to meet with any officials, and his failed visit was purely private.

By Khagan Isayev