Russia criticizes Berlin for ordering it to close most of its consulates in Germany

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Russia on Wednesday condemned Berlin’s decision to order it to close four out of its five consulates general in Germany, saying it could jeopardize relations between the two countries.

The move came after Moscow set a limit for the number of staff at the German embassy and related bodies in Russia.

In a statement on its website, the Russian Foreign Ministry said it assessed Germany’s demand to close the Russian consulates general in Hamburg, Leipzig, Munich and Frankfurt-on-Mein by Dec. 31 this year as “another unfriendly step aimed at further destruction” of bilateral ties.

The ministry said it was Germany that initiated the mass expulsion of Russian diplomats from the country “under far-fetched pretexts” and introduced limits for a number of categories of employees of foreign missions.

“The Russian side categorically rejects any attempts by Berlin to absolve itself of blame for the escalation it is constantly forcing. We once again call on the German authorities to stop,” it said.

The ministry said it places responsibility for the deterioration of relations on Germany and warned that it will act accordingly.