Russia's embassy in Moldova said it will temporarily stop providing appointments for consular matters in what Moldovan officials say is a situation linked to the order by the country's authorities to reduce staff. The embassy late on July 29 said consular appointments would be suspended from August 5 "for technical reasons." Ex-Soviet Moldova has been buffeted by Russia's war in neighboring Ukraine, and pro-Western President Maia Sandu has denounced the invasion and accused Moscow of trying to destabilize her country. Moldovan officials ordered the Russian Embassy to reduce staff to 25 from more than 80 by August 15. To read the original story by Reuters, click here.
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