(Goethe) leaves Russia in a reciprocal response to the closure of the (Russian House) in Berlin
Moscow, Sept 3 (KUNA) -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Thursday that Russia would close branches of the German cultural Goethe Institute in Russia in response to the German authorities’ decision to shut down the Russian cultural center, the Russian House, in Berlin.
Lavrov, speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok and as reported by the Russian Tass news agency, stated that the Goethe Institute branches in Russia would be closed following the shutdown of the Russian cultural center in the German capital. He affirmed, “Of course, they will close after our cultural center is expelled from there,” adding that Germany understands that its decision against the Russian House means the end of its cultural presence in Russia.
He clarified that the Russian decision covers Goethe Institute branches in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Yekaterinburg, a move taken in response to measures adopted by Berlin against Russian institutions in Germany.
The German government announced on Tuesday measures against Russia, including the closure of the Russian House in Berlin and the Russian General Consulate in Bonn, as well as the expulsion of several Russian diplomats, stricter entry restrictions for Russian citizens into Germany, and tougher actions against what is referred to as the Russian “shadow fleet.”
These German measures followed the discovery of a drone loaded with explosives in the secure area of Leipzig-Halle Airport on August 4. The German Federal Prosecutor’s Office has opened an investigation into the incident.
Tensions between Moscow and Berlin have escalated in the wake of the incident, with Russia denying German allegations of its responsibility while announcing its intention to take countermeasures in response to the German steps.
The Goethe Institute opened its first branch in Russia in Moscow in 1992 following the collapse of the Soviet Union, and its activities continued despite growing tensions between Moscow and Berlin over the war in Ukraine. (End) D.A.N./M.A.A.
