Russia Warns U.S. It Could Expel Americans Over Diplomatic Dispute
By IVAN NECHEPURENKOJULY 14, 2017
MOSCOW — Russia is losing patience and is prepared to expel American diplomats if the United States does not reverse its decision to expel 35 Russian diplomats
and block access to Russian diplomatic estates, the country’s Foreign Ministry said Friday.
Russia could expel more than 35 Americans, Ms. Zakharova said, making sure
that the same number of diplomats work in the United States Embassy in Moscow and the Russian Embassy in Washington.
Speaking at a news briefing, the ministry’s spokeswoman, Maria V. Zakharova, said
that after President Trump’s meeting with President Vladimir V. Putin last week, Russia expected the United States "to take a more constructive approach" to resolving the dispute.
Ms. Zakharova said Russia hoped to hear "concrete proposals" on how to untangle the situation at a meeting on Monday between Sergei A. Ryabkov, the deputy foreign minister of Russia,
and Thomas A. Shannon, the under secretary of state of the United States.
"Half a year has passed, and we don’t see any concrete steps." Moreover, according to Ms. Zakharova, the United
States is now refusing to issue visas to Russian diplomats waiting to replace those who were expelled.
" Ms. Zakharova said. that We gave time for the new administration to examine this disgusting legacy
and begin to build the bilateral relationship on the basis of mutual respect,
