The US state Department has called the suspension of the issuance of visas in Russia the result of the reduction of diplomatic personnel,
Moscow. August 23. INTERFAX.RU — the U.S. Department of state Representative Heather Nauert said Wednesday that the suspension of the issuance of U.S. non-immigration visas into Russia was not a retaliatory measure after the U.S. reducing diplomatic staff in Russia, and its immediate result.
“Let me be clear: the U.S. does not take retaliatory measures against Russia in any way, in any shape or form; not, this is not happening,” she said.
Nauert indicated that the requirements of the authorities of the Russian Federation to reduce the number of American diplomats, eventually, affect the efficiency of the organizations engaged in the issuance of visas to the US, and expressed regret for this reason.
However, she stressed that the primary aim of consular staff is to care for the citizens of the United States and help them abroad, and only then come other challenges.
At the same time, it stated that the US wanted to improve relations with Russia and will continue to look for areas where cooperation is possible between the parties.
At the U.S. Embassy in Russia reported earlier that in connection with the measures taken by Russia to limit the number of employees of the U.S. mission in Russia, beginning August 23, 2017, the procedure for issuing nonimmigrant visas for the whole of Russia will be suspended. 1 September 2017 this procedure will be renewed only in Moscow. Previously scheduled appointments will be cancelled.