Foreign Ministry spokesman Aleksandr Yakovenko said on 13 July that Ambassador Vershbow\'s statement implying that Russia has information about the whereabouts of deposed Iraqi President Hussein or his sons is \"incorrect.\" He said that bilateral relations have reached such a level that there are constant, reliable channels for the exchange of such information, including confidential channels. Therefore, Yakovenko said, it is wrong to appeal for such information through the mass media. In a separate statement, the Foreign Ministry expressed concern about U.S. unwillingness to guarantee the diplomatic status of the Russian Embassy in Baghdad. The United States is an occupying power is obligated to do this under international law, the statement said. (RIA-Novosti)