Russia, France near deal on extradition of mother in custody row
Russia`s ambassador to France held two hours of talks with the father of a Russian-French girl abducted by her mother and a deal is close on the extradition of Irina Belenkaya, a Russian official said on Friday.
Belenkaya is in detention in Hungary, where she was caught trying to take her daughter, 3-year-old Elise Andre, across the border into Ukraine. Elise has returned to France with her father, Jean-Michel Andre.
"There are theoretical and practical ways out of the situation, which in a compromise may please all of the parties. Moreover, there is an understanding between the Russian and French foreign ministries, as well as a wish from Mr. Andre to solve the issue peacefully," the head of a Foreign Ministry group assisting Russian citizens abroad said.
Alexander Sokolov explained that Belenkaya could be sent to Russia without being tried in France, or the extradition proceedings could be annulled if France recalls its order for her arrest and she is released.
|
