NEW YORK, February 11. /TASS/. The consulate general of Russia in New York is staffed by 50% only due to problems with obtaining a US visa, acting Consul General in New York Mikhail Vorobyov told TASS.

"The consulate general is severely understaffed, and currently around a half of all employees is available. There has not been a consular general since May," the Russian diplomat complained.

According to Vorobyov, previous candidates for the position were actually refused a visa, while "visas for other diplomats and technical and administrative staff are also being considered within a lengthy period."

"The current employees are boosting some posts, thanks to which it has been possible to avoid a collapse in the work to provide consular services to Russian nationals," the diplomat explained.