UPDATE - Russia threatens retaliation over US compound seizures

ADDS COMMENTS FROM STATE DEPT.

By Diyar Guldogan

ANKARA (AA) - Moscow said Tuesday it could retaliate against the U.S. for the closure of Russian compounds on American soil.

In a statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry reiterated that Moscow would keep its options open following the closure of two compounds in New York and Maryland last December.

“Russia stressed that if Washington does not address this and other concerns, including persistent efforts to hinder the operation of Russia’s diplomatic missions, Russia has the right to take retaliatory measures in accordance with the principle of reciprocity," the ministry said.

The statement came a day after Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov met State Department Undersecretary for Political Affairs Thomas Shannon in Washington.

“The two officials continued to look for ways to resolve pending issues, specifically regarding the illegal seizure of Russian property in the United States by the Barack Obama administration,” the statement said.

In late December, the U.S. expelled 35 Russian diplomats and closed two rural compounds outside New York City and Washington D.C. in response to alleged Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election campaign.

U.S. President Donald Trump has cast doubts on Russian meddling and ssid he wants to build closer ties with Russia.

Ryabkov and Shannon also discussed a number of issues related to strategic stability.

“Russia reiterated to its U.S. partners its readiness to resume regular dialogue on this issue after it was suspended by the previous administration,” the Foreign Ministry said. “It is now up to Washington to take the relevant steps.”

The meeting between Shannon and Ryabkov was "tough, forthright, and deliberate, reflecting both parties’ commitment to a resolution", the U.S. State Department said Tuesday.

"The United States and Russia seek a long-term solution that would address areas of bilateral concern that have strained the relationship," it said in a statement, adding the talks reflected a spirit of goodwill, but conceded more work needs to be done.

Shannon and Ryabkov will hold talk in the near future, the U.S. said.