WASHINGTON, December 11. /TASS/. The decision by the US State Department to remove Russia from the list of countries where American travelers are asked to reconsider travel signals the understanding of obvious reality and Moscow is satisfied by this move, the Russian Embassy to the US said on Monday.
"We were satisfied as the State Department removed groundless recommendations for US citizens to "reconsider traveling to Russia." Now they are urged to "exercise increased caution" (like for example, during visit to the United Kingdom, Denmark, France or Germany). We see that this is the recognition of obvious reality," the Embassy said.
According to the diplomatic mission, during this summer’s World Cup some 167,000 US guests visited Moscow. "In our capital and other cities they saw Russia, which is different from the one described by the local mainstream with the help of Russophobic circles in power. The old bogeyman stories do not work anymore," the Embassy stressed.
However, Washington still cautions Americans against visiting Russia’s North Caucasus, including Chechnya and Mount Elbrus, and also Crimea, calling them unsafe and undesirable for travel. "For our part, we will continue advertising for Americans these Russian regions (and we hope for their active support)," the Embassy said.
In its renewed travel advisory, published on December 10, the US State Department urges Americans visiting Russia to "exercise increased caution due to terrorism, harassment, and the arbitrary enforcement of local laws." "Some areas have increased risk," it says.
According to the State Department, the US citizens should not travel to North Caucasus and climb Mount Elbrus due to "terrorist attacks and risk of civil unrest." Besides, Washington warns Americans against visiting Crimea due Russia’s alleged "extensive military presence" there and its plans to "take further military actions.".