SANN News
The Russian House cultural institution in Paris is unable to operate because France has seized its bank accounts. Under the direction of Rossotrudnichestvo, a Russian government organization, the Russian House works to promote Russian culture and language. Closing it, according to Moscow, is against bilateral accords. Citing the Russian House’s lack of legal registration, Azerbaijan has called for its shutdown in Baku. The Russian Embassy and the agency have repeatedly asked for help with registration, but Azerbaijani authorities have not replied.
Azerbaijani TV reported in January that the Russian House in Baku was allegedly conducting espionage under the pretense of promoting culture. Russia rejected the allegations as unfounded. According to Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, Baku halted collaboration with USAID because of worries that it was serving US political objectives and acting opaquely. In Baku, the Russian House is confronted with immediate difficulties in spite of diplomatic efforts. Moscow has been formally informed of its closure and has indicated that it is prepared to finish the Azerbaijani legal registration procedure.
