From RIA Novosti: Russia is ready to provide permanent accreditation for NATO diplomats in Moscow in a sign of warming ties with the alliance, the country’s envoy to NATO said on Friday.

A diplomatic scandal between Russia and NATO took place in late April – early May 2009, when the alliance withdrew the accreditation of two Russian diplomats at NATO headquarters in Brussels. One of the diplomats was the 23-year-old son of Vladimir Chizhov, Russia’s EU envoy.

In response, Russia expelled two Canadian diplomats working in NATO’s Information Office in Moscow.

"We are looking for information from NATO on who will work in NATO’s Information Office on a permanent basis," Dmitry Rogozin said, adding NATO diplomats are currently working in the Russian capital on a temporary basis.  (graphic: RIA Novosti)