Russia accuses US of searching consulate general, threatening citizens

Moscow says the FBI plans to search the Russian consulate general in San Francisco, threatening the diplomatic immunity of many of its citizens.

Russian Consulate General in San Francisco. Photo: Reuters.

"We are talking about an invasion of the consulate general and the residence of diplomatic staff. The request from the US authorities directly threatens the safety of Russian citizens," AFP quoted Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova as saying on September 2.

Ms. Zakharova confirmed that the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) plans to search the Russian Consulate General in San Francisco today, forcing diplomatic staff and their families to leave within 12 hours. "We protest against the US's actions that disregard international law. Russia reserves the right to take retaliatory measures," Ms. Zakharova said.

A mysterious plume of black smoke was seen rising from the consulate's chimney. The San Francisco Fire Department said people inside were burning unidentified objects. Washington had earlier demanded that Moscow close its consulate in San Francisco and two other buildings in response to Russia's decision to cut the US diplomatic staff by 755.

Black smoke rises from the Russian consulate general building. Photo: AFP.

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson informed his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov of the move in a phone call on August 31, according to a US administration official. Lavrov “regretted” the US decision, the Russian Foreign Ministry said. “Moscow will carefully study the announced US measures and respond accordingly.”

According to US government officials, the Russian consulate general in San Francisco handles work in seven western US states. Russia also has three consulates in New York, Seattle and Houston.

"No Russian diplomats have been expelled. Diplomats in San Francisco can be reassigned to other positions," the official said. "Russia retains ownership or can sell the facilities that are to be closed, but they are not allowed to have diplomatic activities there."

According to VNE