U.S. Sharply Curtails Visa Services in Russia
He added that the American argument that its diplomatic workers cannot issue the same number of visas with reduced staff disrespected the "capabilities
and possibilities of the American diplomatic service." Mr. Lavrov said the ministry was studying the matter and would have a response at a later date.
21, 2017
MOSCOW — The American diplomatic mission to Russia said Monday
that it planned to sharply reduce visa services because of Moscow’s order to cut its staff, the latest in a series of tit-for-tat penalties by the two countries.
"They have direct flights to the U.S., but, of course, few people will want to travel over the whole country to Moscow
to get a visa first," Irina Tyurina, a spokesman for the Russian Tourism Industry Union told the Interfax news agency.
In response, President Vladimir V. Putin ordered the United States Embassy to cut 755 positions in the country — roughly two-thirds — by Sept. 1.
" he said. that The American diplomatic school, diplomatic service, just as the Russian
one, has great traditions and experience in preparing professional staff,