Security Boosted In Russia's Far Eastern University Where Putin, N. Korea's Kim May Meet

VLADIVOSTOK (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 22nd April, 2019) Security measures have been enhanced on the territory of the Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU), located in the Russian city of Vladivostok, ahead of the upcoming meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, which may be held in the university, a Sputnik correspondent reported on Monday from the university campus.

The passage to the campus territory used to be free for anyone, and one could get into the university upon showing an identity document, disclosing the aim of the visit and, therefore, receiving a pass. However, a security officer at the central entrance to the university campus told Sputnik that new security measures had been introduced in anticipation of high-ranking officials' visit. The security officer did not specify who exactly was expected to visit the university and for how long the new security measures would be in place. Meanwhile, he showed a decree by the FEFU administration, which said that people could currently enter the campus territory only if they showed a student card or were included in special agreed lists.

"Unauthorized people can enter the territory upon a personal invitation � upon a call of a professor or a manager of an educational program," the security officer added.

According to the correspondent, lawns on the campus territory have been trimmed, and road markings have been renewed, as well as zebra crossings. Moreover, a great number of additional security officers have been deployed to the FEFU.

The press service of the university has not provided an official comment to Sputnik yet.

A knowledgeable source told Sputnik last week that the meeting between Putin and Kim could be held in FEFU's Building S (sports). There was an announcement on the copy center desk in this building, saying "In connection with the arrival of Kim Jong Un, the copy center is closed from April 17 to April 24," while an announcement in the main sport hall said "From April 17 to 30, the hall is closed for technical reasons."

The Kremlin said last week that Putin and Kim would hold a meeting in Russia in the second half of April. Meanwhile, South Korean media have suggested that the talks are most likely to be held in the Russian Far Eastern city of Vladivostok. An employee of a Vladivostok's train station told Sputnik last Thursday that North Korean official Kim Chang Son, who had seen in Vladivostok last Wednesday, had been examining security measures at the station.