‘Achieving Parity’
In a surprise move the U.S. State Dept. has just ordered Russia to close its consulate in San Francisco, and to reduce the number of staff members in two other locations, and saying the closures must be completed by Saturday.
“The United States has fully implemented the decision by the Government of the Russian Federation to reduce the size of our mission in Russia,” a State Dept. statement issued Thursday reads. “We believe this action was unwarranted and detrimental to the overall relationship between our countries.”
In late July, in retaliation for Congress passing sanctions against Russia, President Vladimir Putin ordered 755 U.S. diplomats and other staff to be expelled from the country (some were Russian citizens working for the U.S. and not expelled), and seized two properties used by the U.S. in Russia.
The State Dept. is calling it “achieving parity.”Â
“In the spirit of parity invoked by the Russians,” today’s State Dept. statement continues, “we are requiring the Russian Government to close its Consulate General in San Francisco, a chancery annex in Washington, D.C., and a consular annex in New York City. These closures will need to be accomplished by September 2.”
More than a week after Russia had expelled U.S. diplomats Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told reporters he had not decided how the U.S. would respond, while President Trump told reporters he welcomed Russia’s expulsion of U.S. diplomats because he wanted to reduce payroll expenses.Â
“I want to thank him because we’re trying to cut down our payroll, and as far as I’m concerned, I’m very thankful that he let go of a large number of people because now we have a smaller payroll,†Trump told reporters August 10, as Vox reported. “There’s no real reason for them to go back. I greatly appreciate the fact that we’ve been able to cut our payroll of the United States. We’re going to save a lot of money.â€
(The diplomats still work for the U.S., regardless of where they are stationed.)
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