 RUSSIA IN FACTS |
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10 September 2003 05:57
Russia to retaliate if USA tightens visa rules - foreign ministry official
Washington, 10 September: Moscow and Washington have agreed that from now on the USA will inform Russians within 30 days whether or not a US entry visa they have asked for will be granted to them. Foreign Ministry Consular Service Executive Secretary Vladimir Kotenev said that this was the main result of negotiations held in Washington between top officials of the US Department of State and a Russian Foreign Ministry delegation led by him. "The USA has reserved the right to consider rare cases longer," Kotenev told ITAR-TASS. However, the Russian Foreign Ministry intends to "stand its ground firmly so that in most cases an answer is given within 30 days", he added. Kotenev went on to say that the USA was to introduce a special procedure of checking VIP foreigners at airports, starting from deputy minister position. Russia will have to notify the American side about their arrivals three days in advance. "We still see at as a discriminating measure and will treat US citizens the way our people are treated by the Americans," Kotenev said. "If the American side starts calling for interviews Russian officials, we will do the same in relation to US officials," he added. Kotenev said that new "full-format" agreements would be signed regarding the principles of issuing visas for Russian and US citizens.
[ITAR-TASS news agency] | | |
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