US Deplores Russia's Decision to Shut American Center

nytimes.com

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By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS SEPT. 16, 2015, 11:49 A.M. E.D.T.

MOSCOW — The U.S. has voiced deep regret about Russia's decision to close
the U.S. Embassy's American Center in Moscow, which has helped encourage
bilateral cultural exchanges for more than two decades.

U.S. Ambassador John Tefft said in a statement on Wednesday that a
state­-controlled library recently terminated an agreement for embassy support
of the center and warned of its intention to replace its American director and
take full control of its activities.

Tefft deplored the "unfortunate move by the Russian government," adding
that the center has "built deep and strong connections between the people and
cultures of Russia and the United States."

The move comes almost a year after Russia cancelled the largest
educational exchange program with the U.S. Bilateral ties have been badly hurt by the Ukraine crisis.