WASHINGTON. Aug 15 (Interfax) - The United States' conduct as the current chair of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum as part of the ongoing third APEC Senior Officials' and Ministerial Meetings in Seattle is unacceptable, Russian Ambassador to the U.S. Anatoly Antonov.
"The U.S. again grossly abuses its host country status and discriminates Russia's participation. Entry visas were not issued to representatives of several ministries and government agencies. Besides, we note an increasing number of denied opportunities to join the key meetings via video links [...] Under such circumstances, the forthcoming APEC summit in San Francisco in November raises serious concern. We demand from the U.S. Administration to responsibly fulfill its commitments as a host of the forum. We insist on the issuance of all permissions to our representatives to enter into the United States in accordance with the period indicated by them," Antonov said in remarks published on the Telegram channel of the Russian embassy to the U.S. He was asked to comment on the work of the U.S. as the APEC forum chair.
The Russian embassy in Washington is providing maximum assistance to the Russian delegates in Seattle, he said.
"We have sent our diplomats to Seattle to 'cover' the most critical debates. In order to firmly defend interests of the Russian Federation and compensate for the absence of our colleagues from relevant ministries and agencies," Antonov said.