Michael McFaul, the U.S. ambassador to the Russian Federation also took part in the February 17 meeting in Moscow.

The victims died from makeshift knives and blows, Domene said, adding that no firearms were found among the prisoners.

Russian PM said the ground, sea and air components of Russia’s nuclear triad are stable and sufficient at the moment.

The January deficit came in at 1,475 billion yen, the highest since records began in 1979, the finance ministry said.

South Korea said the drill, the second of its kind in the area this year, was routine and had passed without incident.

Ahmad Vahidi said that the Navy’s missions abroad were based on policies aimed at enhancing Iran's naval capabilities.