Moscow invited Washington to mutually reset restrictions for diplomatic missions

Russia and the United States are at a "responsible milestone" in mutual relations that need to be improved, Russian Ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov said at the opening of the tenth annual meeting of the Fort Ross Dialogue Forum. Antonov's speech was published on the website of the Russian Embassy in the United States.

The Russian ambassador proposed to start improving relations by lifting all restrictions imposed by countries on each other's diplomatic presence.

“A lot of things are pulling relationships back. There are plenty of problems. Our citizens are experiencing visa difficulties. The Russian diplomatic property seized several years ago, including in San Francisco, has not been returned. New sanctions are introduced . We offer a positive program of action. As a first step, we consider it important to completely cancel on a mutual basis all restrictions on each other's diplomatic presence," Antonov said.

The ambassador added that Moscow and Washington "should not miss the chance to realize the constructive spirit of Geneva", they should strive to "advance a unifying agenda."