Latest news with #consulate
Al Jazeera
4 days ago
- Politics
- Al Jazeera
Russia closing Polish consulate in Kaliningrad in tit-for-tat move
Russia says it will close Poland's consulate in Kaliningrad, a Russian exclave between Poland and Lithuania, after Warsaw decided to shut down the Russian consulate in Krakow. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the move on Friday. This follows Poland ordering the Russian consulate in the southern city of Krakow to shut in May after authorities accused Moscow of orchestrating a fire that destroyed a Warsaw shopping centre last year. The May 12, 2024, arson destroyed more than 1,000 shops at the Marywilska 44 centre, but no one was injured. Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski accused Russian special services of involvement, saying there was evidence they had committed a 'reprehensible act of sabotage' against the centre. Russia denied any involvement in the attack. In May, Russia promised an 'adequate response' to Poland's move, and on Friday, the Foreign Ministry said it was 'withdrawing consent for the functioning of the Consulate General of Poland in Kaliningrad from August 29'. It also said Poland's charge d'affaires in Russia was summoned and handed a formal note announcing the move, citing 'unfriendly' and 'unjustified' actions by the Polish government. 'This step was caused by the unfounded and hostile actions of the Polish side, expressed in the reduction of the Russian consular presence on the territory of Poland,' it added. Strained ties Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Pawel Wronski said Russia's decision to close the consulate was unjustified. The possibility of this decision 'was taken into account by the Foreign Ministry', he told reporters on Friday. But he added that this 'doesn't mean that it is a legitimate decision'. 'Unlike Russia, Poland does not engage in sabotage, cyberattacks or conduct actions against the Russian state,' he said. He added that Poland would 'respond adequately' to the decision, without elaborating. Diplomatic ties between Moscow and Warsaw have been historically strained and have frayed further over Russia's war in Ukraine. Poland, a NATO and European Union member, is one of the main countries through which Western nations supply weapons and ammunition to Kyiv. In May 2024, Poland imposed restrictions on the movements of Russian diplomats on its soil due to Moscow's 'involvement' in what it called a 'hybrid war'. Poland later ordered the closure of Russia's consulate in Poznan and said it was willing to close the other consulates if acts of 'terrorism' continued. In January, Russia closed the Polish consulate in St Petersburg in retaliation. Apart from the embassies, both countries now only have one consulate left on their respective territories.
Al Arabiya
4 days ago
- Politics
- Al Arabiya
Russia closing Polish consulate in tit-for-tat move
Russia said Friday it would close Poland's consulate in Kaliningrad, a Moscow exclave near Poland and Lithuania, after Warsaw decided to shut the Russian consulate in Krakow. Diplomatic ties between Moscow and Warsaw have been historically strained and frayed further over Russia's offensive in Ukraine, which Poland is supporting politically and with military aid. In May, Poland ordered the Russian consulate in the southern city of Krakow shut after authorities accused Moscow of orchestrating a fire that destroyed a Warsaw shopping center last year. Poland – a NATO and European Union member – is one of the main countries through which Western nations supply weapons and ammunition to Kyiv. Russia vowed an 'adequate response' and on Friday the foreign ministry said it was 'withdrawing consent for the functioning of the Consulate General of Poland in Kaliningrad from August 29.' It also said Poland's charge d'affaires in Russia was summoned and handed a formal note announcing the move. 'This step was caused by the unfounded and hostile actions of the Polish side, expressed in the reduction of the Russian consular presence on the territory of Poland,' it added. In May 2024, Poland imposed restrictions on the movements of Russian diplomats on its soil, due to Moscow's 'involvement' in what it called a 'hybrid war.' Poland later ordered the closure of Russia's consulate in Poznan and said it was willing to close the other consulates if acts of 'terrorism' continued. In January, Russia closed the Polish consulate in Saint Petersburg in retaliation.
Malay Mail
13-06-2025
- General
- Malay Mail
Wisma Putra says no Malaysians aboard deadly Air India crash in Ahmedabad, expresses condolences
PUTRAJAYA, June 13 — Malaysia stands in solidarity with the governments and people of India, the United Kingdom, Portugal, and Canada following the tragic crash of Air India flight AI171, which went down shortly after take-off from Ahmedabad Airport on June 12. The Foreign Ministry, in a statement late Thursday, expressed its sincere sympathy and heartfelt condolences, especially to the families who lost their loved ones and those affected by the tragedy. The aircraft, which was bound for London Gatwick, reportedly crashed into the dormitory complex of a medical college in a residential area near the airport, resulting in heavy casualties. The Consulate General of Malaysia in Mumbai has confirmed that no Malaysians were on board the aircraft, adding that it is closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as necessary. Malaysians in need of consular assistance may contact the Consulate General at +91 22 6996 5757 or visit its office at Unit 12A1, 12A2 and 12A3, 13th Floor, Supreme Headquarters Building, 14th & 33rd Road, near Link Square Mall, Bandra West, 400 050 Maharashtra, India. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner was carrying 230 passengers and 12 crew members when it departed Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad at 1.38 pm local time for London Gatwick. Air India confirmed that those on board included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese nationals and one Canadian. — Bernama
