Nebenzya: US did not issue visas to most of the Russian delegation

The United States did not issue visas to most of the Russian delegation that planned to take part in the UN General Assembly, informed TASS with reference to the permanent representative of the Russian Federation to the world organization Vasily Nebenzya.

“Parts of the delegation that flies with the minister [иностранных дел РФ Сергеем Лавровым], visas were issued, but most of those who fly with the minister were not issued visas. We are waiting, today is Wednesday. We look forward to the soonest issuance by the US authorities of visas for the delegation that is going to the high-level segment of the General Assembly,” he said.

Nebenzya refused to “speculate” in response to a question from journalists whether the failure to issue visas could lead to the absence of the Russian delegation at the meeting, and suggested waiting for the results.

The 77th session of the General Assembly is being held from September 13 to 27 in New York. September 13 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Russia reportedthat the United States issued visas for the head of the department, Sergey Lavrov, and a number of members of the Russian delegation to travel. In addition to Lavrov, the Russian delegation also included Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin, Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on International Affairs Grigory Karasin, Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the UN Vasily Nebenzya, Chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs Leonid Slutsky and others.

The United States, following the UK and the European Union, imposed sanctions against the Russian minister. April 6 Washington introduced restrictions against the wife and daughter of Sergei Lavrov. After the start of Russia’s special operation in Ukraine, the minister was also included in the sanctions list of Japan.