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RIA Novosti
The first Deputy Chairman of the Duma Committee on international Affairs Dmitry Novikov in an interview with RT commented about the possible closure of one of the General consulates of Russia on the territory of the United States. In his opinion, such actions cannot be regarded as a response, Moscow imposed sanctions.
“Of course, this confrontational step. It cannot be considered as a response to the Russian measures restricting U.S. diplomatic corps in Russia, because it was a response to measures taken by the United States at the end of last year, when our diplomats were expelled without any good cause, and the arrest was a Russian diplomatic property. Therefore, the closure of one of the Russian consulates cannot be considered normal, accepted in the international practice of retaliatory measure,” he said.
Novikov said that ultimately, due to the closure of one of the Russian consulates hurt ordinary people.
“Naturally, in the course of such confrontation are the worst affected ordinary citizens of the two countries, which do have problems with crossing borders, travel, business, cultural, scientific and other”, — said the Deputy.
Previously, “Kommersant” reported that Washington may require Moscow to close one of the Russian consulates on the territory of the United States in response to the reduction of the U.S. diplomatic mission in Russia.