White House says Russia’s expulsion of US diplomats will deteriorate ties

April 6, 2018

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The White House says Russia’s expulsion of US diplomats and the shuttering of one of its consulates mark a further deterioration in relations between Washington and Moscow.
Russia expelled 60 American diplomats on Thursday and announced it would eject more from other Western countries that have joined London and Washington in expelling Russian diplomats over Moscow’s alleged poisoning of a former Russian spy.
Moscow also ordered the closing of the US consulate in St Petersburg in retaliation for the closure of Russia’s consulate in the US city of Seattle.
Russia has already retaliated in kind after Britain initially expelled 23 diplomats.
US President Donald Trump on Monday ordered 60 Russian diplomats that Washington considers spies to leave the country in solidarity with Britain.
“Russia’s response was not unanticipated and the United States will deal with it,” the White House said in a statement Friday without elaborating.
On Thursday, the US State Department indicated that Washington could retaliate for Moscow’s “regrettable, unwarranted action,” raising the possibility that the crisis could intensify.
“We reserve the right to respond further. We’re reviewing our options,” said State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert.

Source : Gistville

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