Iceland announces the closure of its embassy in Moscow

Iceland will suspend activities at its embassy in Russia as of August 1 due to the reduction in relations between the two countries due to the Russian military intervention in Ukraineannounced this Friday the Icelandic Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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The Icelandic initiative does not constitute a “breaking off” of diplomatic relations with Moscow, highlights Foreign Affairs, which warns that the embassy will resume its operations “as soon as conditions allow it”.

“This is not an easy decision, as Iceland has enjoyed rich relations with the Russian people since our independence in 1944. But the current situation simply does not make it feasible for a small foreign service like the Icelandic to operate an embassy in Russia.”is stated in a statement.

Foreign Affairs recalls that the commercial, cultural and political relationship with Moscow it is at “historic low levels” and that it is not justifiable to keep the legation operational.

“I hope that conditions will one day allow us to have normal and fruitful relations with Russiabut that depends on the decisions made by the Kremlin”said the Icelandic Foreign Minister, Þórdís Kolbrún R. gylfadóttir.

The Foreign Minister has informed the Russian ambassador in Reykjavik of the measure and has asked Moscow to limit the operations of its legation in accordance with article 11 of the Convention of vienna and lower the level of your representation.

Iceland has had an embassy in Moscow since 1944, except between 1951 and 1953, when trade between the two countries was suspended.

Source: Elcomercio

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