Russian diplomats vacate three properties on US orders

SAN FRANCISCO: Russian diplomats vacated three properties in the United States, including the sixstorey consulate in San Francisco, complying with a order issued in retaliation for Moscow cutting the American diplomatic presence in Russia.

Staff at the San Francisco consulate were seen moving equipment, furniture and small items from the building into minivans and driving away, before coming back for more later on Saturday.

A group of men in plainclothes and suits were seen on the roof of the consulate looking around, some wearing rubber gloves.

The closure ordered by the Trump administration of the consulate in San Francisco and two buildings housing Russian trade missions in Washington and New York was the latest in titfortat measures between the two countries that have helped plunge relations to a new postCold War low.

“Accusations made by the Russian government, including the United States officials threatened to break down doors in the relevant properties or that the FBI is clearing the premises, are untrue,” a senior US State Department official said.

The State Department said the Russian government had complied with the order to shutter those operations by Saturday and said no diplomats were being expelled as a result of the closures.

“Russia will no longer be permitted to use these facilities,” the department official said. — Reuters