Russia turns away Norway defence adviser

MOSCOW, Feb 8 (Reuters) Russia has refused entry to a Norwegian national working for Norway's Ministry of Defence on a joint project with Russia to decommission nuclear submarines, a campaign group said today.

Bellona, a Norwegian-based environmental group, said Ingjerd Kroken was turned away when she landed in Moscow as part of an official Norwegian delegation to take part in talks about a decommissioning project.

''She did not make it through the airport border control. She was declared unwanted in the Russian federation and turned back home,'' Bellona said in a statement.

Bellona, which works closely with the Norwegian government and monitors ecology-related developments in the region, could not say why Kroken had been turned back. Kroken could not immediately be reached for comment.

Russia's military is sensitive about the attention of environmental groups. In the 1990s two naval officers who worked with foreign groups to draw attention to ecological problems were jailed for spying. They have since been released.

The Norwegian Ministry of Defence confirmed reports a woman was denied entry at a Moscow airport. The ministry declined to comment further saying it wanted more information before making a statement.

Russian media had earlier identified the woman as Ingrid Kroken.

There was no comment from Russian officials.

Russia has a large fleet of rusting nuclear submarines at its bases in the Arctic Circle, raising worries they could lead to radioactive contamination.

Western countries have worked with the Russian military to help dispose of the nuclear reactors safely. Norway has been particularly active, providing financial assistance and expertise.

Kroken was due to have talks with the Russian Defence Ministry during her visit to Russia, said Bellona official Igor Kudrik.

Reuters SSC GC1608