Brazil's foreign-affairs ministry plans to open a consulate in the nearby provincial capital, Guangzhou, this year so that it can serve its citizens better.

ECONOMIST: Brazilians in China

"We know the Foreign Office is in touch and we feel sure that the consulate and the proper authorities will provide the necessary assistance in order to ensure their safe return, " she said.

BBC: Britons acting as 'human shields'

Tripoli, Libya (CNN) -- Gunmen targeted the car of the Italian consul general in Benghazi, Libya, on Saturday as he was leaving the consulate, the latest in a series of attacks targeting foreign missions and security officials in the eastern city.

CNN: Gunmen open fire on Italian consul's car in Benghazi

Turkey's consulate in Aleppo, however, is still functioning, Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman Selcuk Unal said.

CNN: Annan says Syrian crisis can't 'drag on indefinitely'

"The operations of the Russian Federation's Consulate General in Aleppo have been suspended, " the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement, the news agency reported.

CNN: Moscow suspends consular operations in Aleppo