Russia threatens the USA with possible retaliation for the ejection of Russian diplomatic property
Moscow announced the possibility of retaliatory measures in connection with the USA’s ejection of Russian diplomatic property in the country.
The Counselor of the Russian Embassy in the United States, Denis Gonchar said in an interview with RIA Novosti that American authorities have become familiar with the nature of retaliatory steps.
He noted that Russia is seeking an early return of its property, however "so far, the State Department is trying to negotiate a positive solution to the issue of providing the Americans with a land plot in St. Petersburg for construction of a new building for their consulate general." "We consider such attempts to be inappropriate since in Russia the US was not deprived of anything belonging to them by right of ownership," the Russian diplomat explained.
Nevertheless, he expressed hope that the parties would still seek a constructive resolution to the situation. "Otherwise, we will be compelled to take countermeasures against American diplomatic property in our country according to the principle of reciprocity, adopted in diplomatic practice. America is aware of what such measures can be. But that would be not our choice," Gonchar emphasized.
Late last year, US President Barack Obama’s administration imposed sanctions against nine Russian institutions, companies and individuals including the GRU (Main Intelligence Directorate) and the FSB (Federal Security Service), for "interference in the elections" and "pressure on American diplomats" working in Russia.
Also, the US closed access to two residential complexes, the so-called suburban dachas of the Russian Federation's permanent residence in New York and the Russian Embassy in Washington, which are Russian diplomatic property. In addition, 35 Russian diplomats have been declared personas non grata.