The Ambassador of the Russian Federation: London deliberately delaying the timing of the issuance of visas to Russian diplomats – TASS

LONDON, 22 Oct. /TASS/. UK, intentionally delaying the timing of the issuance of visas to Russian diplomats, achieves downsizing of the Russian Embassy in London. The Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the UK Alexander Yakovenko told a British TV channel “Bi-bi-si”.

“We’re trying to understand whether the UK adequate diplomatic presence of Russia in London… Embassy Staff reduced, and if this continues, the number of the Embassy staff still will be reduced,” – said the Russian Ambassador. According to him, due to the fact that visas to diplomats who were supposed to replace their colleagues returning to Russia, or moving to serve in another country, are not issued for several months, the Embassy formed a shortage of personnel.

Yakovenko also criticized the recent anti-Russian statements of the British authorities. Thus, the published 1 Oct an interview with British newspaper The Sun, the British foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said that “the attitude of the world toward Russia tougher” because of its actions in Syria, resulting in it may “turn into a pariah state”. The Minister added that Britain and the United States consider the “number of opportunities” to put pressure on Russia to change its stance on Syria. According to the tabloid, “this includes a boycott of world Cup 2018 held in Russia, on the part of British officials”.

in addition, on 21 October, Prime Minister Theresa may at a press conference at the conclusion of the EU summit in Brussels said that the European Union will consider all possible options for action against the authorities in Damascus and Moscow in case of continuing the offensive on the Syrian city of Aleppo.

according to the TV station, in the British foreign Ministry refuted the information on intended delays in registration of necessary documents for Russian diplomats.