TILLERSON: U.S. TO RESPOND TO RUSSIA STAFF REDUCTION

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Sunday that Washington will respond by Sept. 1 to Russia’s move to force a major reduction in American diplomatic staff, a move that echoed President Obama’s action to kick out Russian diplomats for Moscow’s suspected meddling in the 2016 American election.

Russia said recently it was forcing the United States to cut its embassy and consulate staff in Russia by 755 people. There has been confusion because the United States may have far fewer than 755 American employees in Russia.