Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov: the United States artificially restricts the issuance of nonimmigrant visas to Russians
Sergey Lavrov. Photo: Reuters
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reproached the United States for artificially limiting the issuance of non-immigration visas to Russians in order to “bargain” for themselves unilateral concessions. He told about this in an interview with RIA Novosti.
“Now the American side, referring to the“ lack of personnel, ”artificially restricts the issuance of nonimmigrant visas in the Russian Federation,” the minister said. According to him, Washington is doing this for a reason, but in order to “bargain” for itself unilateral concessions from the Russian Federation.
Lavrov stressed that “the situation is still difficult,” recalling that since May 12, 2021, the Americans have suspended the issuance of non-diplomatic visas. “However, we reserved the right to consider applications related to vital emergencies. This is a sovereign decision of the United States, ”he said.
Earlier, State Department spokesman Ned Price said that the United States needs to have a fully functioning embassy in Moscow. He noted that Washington understands similar wishes on the part of Russia.
The US Embassy in Moscow stopped issuing visas on May 12 and reduced the list of consular services – they can only be used by US citizens in emergency situations. For example, in case of expiry of the validity of visas, as well as in cases of threat to life or death.
