US to restore EU diplomatic status in Washington

By Faruk Zorlu

ANKARA (AA) - The U.S. will recognize the EU diplomatic status in Washington as equal to national ambassadors after downgrading of the bloc's diplomatic status last year.

In a statement Monday, the U.S. Ambassador to the EU, Gordon Sondland said: "The Department of State will again recognize the European Union’s representation in Washington as equivalent to that of a bilateral mission in the Diplomatic Corps Order of Precedence."

The change will be "effective immediately", Sondland said.

"The European Union is a uniquely important organization, and one of America’s most valuable partners in ensuring global security and prosperity," he added.

Last year, the U.S. president lowered the diplomatic status of the EU delegation to the level of an international organization without announcing it.