British offices defy order to close

A BRITISH cultural organisation reopened offices in two Russian cities yesterday in defiance of an order to close, drawing an angry response from Russia, which called the decision a “deliberate provocation” and promised punitive measures.

Britain refused to back down. Its ambassador said the British Council offices would remain open and that any Russian action against the organisation would violate international law.

The British Council offices in St Petersburg and Yekaterinburg reopened after the holiday break, despite Russia’s warnings that defying orders to suspend their operations by January 1 would worsen bilateral relations.