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US decreases size of diplomatic mission in Russia

WASHINGTON, Aug 31 (KUNA) -- The US implemented a decision by the Russian government to reduce the size of its diplomatic mission in Russia, the State Department announced Thursday.
"In the spirit of parity invoked by the Russians," the US is requiring Russia to close its Consulate General in San Francisco, a chancery annex in Washington DC, and a consular annex in New York City by September 2.
Both countries will remain with three consulates each.
"While there will continue to be a disparity in the number of diplomatic and consular annexes, we have chosen to allow the Russian Government to maintain some of its annexes in an effort to arrest the downward spiral in our relationship," State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert said in a statement.
The US hopes that "we can avoid further retaliatory actions by both sides and move forward to achieve the stated goal of both of our presidents: improved relations between our two countries and increased cooperation on areas of mutual concern." The US is prepared to take "further action as necessary and warranted," the statement added. (end) ak.sd