MINSK, 12 October (BelTA) – The demand of the USA to close down Belarus' consulate general in New York shows what U.S. repeated statements about ‘support' and ‘care' for the Belarusian people really mean, the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus stated, BelTA informs.
“The USA's demand that makes provision of consular assistance for Belarusian citizens more difficult, demonstrates what U.S. repeated statements about ‘support' and ‘care' for the Belarusian people really mean. We regret this decision and ask citizens of Belarus and residents of the USA to bear with the inconveniences related to the need to apply for consular services exclusively to the Belarusian embassy in Washington due to circumstances beyond our control,” the ministry said.
A reminder, Belarus' consulate general in New York will have to stop working on 21 October 2021 at the request of the U.S. side. “Within the limits of resources available, Belarus will do its utmost to keep its consular services accessible for its nationals amidst the new restrictions of the USA,” the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus emphasized.
After the closure of the consulate general, citizens of Belarus residing in the consular district of the consulate general (including Canada) will have to apply for consular services to the Belarusian embassy in the USA.
Belarusian nationals registered with the consulate general will be re-registered with the Belarusian Embassy in the United States after 1 November.
