Russian border guards have reportedly been told that they must smile more when they check the passports of people visiting the country.
According to the BBC News website, travellers entering the country have been more likely to encounter “intimidating scowls and steely glares” – but now, those checking passports are under strict orders to be nice.
A spokesman for the border guard service is quoted as saying: “As individuals and vehicles cross the state border, special attention will be paid to treating passengers politely and to preventing callous and rude behaviour. Some people have objected that our border guards are not very smiley, but we hope they will be more friendly.”
The orders were reportedly given by Colonel General Vladimir Pronichev, after “recent complaints about tactless treatment”.
Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad
