|
Russian staff had left the consulate last month, after
Washington ordered Moscow to vacate some of its diplomatic
properties, part of a series of tit-for-tat actions during a
thorny phase in bilateral relations.
Since then, U.S. officials had occupied administrative parts of
the compound but on Monday they entered residential areas that
the departing staff had locked, the ministry said in a statement
late on Monday.
"Despite our warnings, the U.S. authorities did not listen to
reason and did not give up their illegal intentions," it said.
"...We reserve the right to respond. The principle of
reciprocity has always been and remains the cornerstone of
diplomacy."
Footage aired repeatedly on Russian state television showed
what the broadcaster said were U.S. officials breaking locks
that had sealed off parts of the compound and entering the
buildings.
The "intruders" had taken over the whole premises including the
consul general's residence, the ministry said.
"Therefore, we understand that Americans, breaking into our
diplomatic buildings, have de facto agreed that their missions
in Russia may be treated likewise."
Russian President Vladimir Putin last month accused Washington
of "boorish" treatment of Russia’s diplomatic premises on U.S.
soil, ordering the foreign ministry to take legal action over
alleged violations of Russia’s property rights.
The tit-for-tat began late last year when former U.S. president
Barack Obama expelled 35 Russian diplomats in retaliation for
alleged Russian meddling in the election that took Donald Trump
to the White House.
Trump took office in January, saying he wanted to improve ties
with Russia, while Putin also spoke favorably of Trump.
But the allegations of interference in the vote, which Moscow
has denied, have persisted as an investigation by U.S.
authorities has widened.
In July, Moscow ordered the United States to cut the number of
its diplomatic and technical staff working in Russia by around
60 percent, to 455.
(Reporting by Dmitry Solovyov; editing by John Stonestreet)
[© 2017 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.] Copyright 2017 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
 |
|
