RUSSIALINK: “U.S. might downgrade level of diplomatic relations with Russia – newspaper” – Interfax

File Photo of U.S. Embassy Moscow, with Russian Foreign Ministry Building in Distance

MOSCOW. Feb 20 (Interfax) – The United States might downgrade the level of diplomatic relations with Russia amid domestic political differences, the newspaper Izvestia said on Wednesday, citing First Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Foreign Affairs Committee Sergei Kislyak.

“Relations between our countries are not at the best. The Americans have already downgraded their organizational level by shutting down a number of Russian consular missions. Actually, I do not know what the Americans are planning to do next. However, the current political situation and domestic differences suggest that they might downgrade the level of diplomatic relations, as well,” Kislyak told Izvestia.

“There will still be channels for conducting diplomatic activity,” he said.

It is being decided which three of the six points of the second package of sanctions over the Skripal case will take effect, sources in the political circles in Washington DC told Izvestia. According to the newspaper, a downgraded level of diplomatic relations is the only political measure on the list, and it is a high priority.

 

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