15:09 . 28/04
The problem that the Russian singer Iosif Kobzon was denied a US visa found a serious response among the public, the singer’s representatives also got involved in the matter. They raised the issue in Washington meeting US State Department officials.
To recall, the Russian artist was denied a US visa. He planned to give concerts on the occasion of his 75th anniversary in US.
Itar-Tass informs “the diplomats accepted the appeal and confirmed that the issue of granting a visa would be reviewed speedily at the highest level.”
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said Moscow will do everything to have the entry ban lifted for Kobzon and other Russian citizens.
Kobzon himself has stated that the issue of granting a visa to him means “to spite on Russia”.
To recall, it’s 18 years Kobzon hasn’t been able to visit US. In 1995 the US State Department annulled his multiple entry visa, substantiating this step with Kobzon’s possible involvement in illegal operations with some medicines subject to control. The unofficial reason for this decision was probable ties between the singer and Russian organized criminal groups.
