Spokesman Grigory Karasin told reporters at a weekly news briefing that the ministry has complained to the embassy about the "inadmissable" treatment of some Russian officials.
Some Russians with diplomatic passports and Foreign Ministry authorization had to have interviews at the U.S. Embassy and provide proof they did not intend to stay in the United States permanently, Karasin said.
He said Russia understands that the U.S. Embassy in Moscow has been overworked since the end of the Cold War opened up new travel opportunities between the two countries. The Russian Embassy in Washington faces similar problems, Karasin said.
"But some things cannot be attributed to oversight because they run counter to accepted consular practices," he said.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
