MOSCOW. May 14 (Interfax) - The United States must comply with a ban on employing foreigners at its diplomatic missions operating in Russia before August 1, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said.
"As is well-known, the leadership of Russia has decided on restrictions in response to hostile actions by the U.S., including a complete ban on the employment of any citizens of the Russian Federation or any third countries at the embassies and consular services of any unfriendly states. This measure mentioned by the Russian Foreign Ministry in its statement of April 16 was endorsed by the presidential decree of April 23," Zakharova told reporters on Friday.
"In accordance with the order of the Russian government issued in implementation of the aforementioned decree on May 13, U.S. diplomatic missions are now banned from employing any individuals based in the Russian Federation. Considering that it will take time to implement this measure, the Russian Foreign Ministry expects that the United States embassy and consulates in our country will bring their staffs into compliance with said requirements no later than August 1," she said.
Zakharova stressed that the U.S. "is regularly given necessary clarifications, leaving no room for any misunderstandings."
"This matter is closed definitely and completely," she said.
A government order endorsing a list of foreign nations committing unfriendly acts against Russia was published on the website of Russia's official legal database on Friday. The list includes the United States and the Czech Republic.
The order bans the U.S. embassy from drawing up employment contracts with nationals of any third countries staying in Russia.