RUSSIAN MFA INFORMATION AND PRESS DEPARTMENT COMMENTARY REGARDING A MEDIA QUESTION CONCERNING STATUS OF THE BRITISH COUNCIL'S BRANCHES IN RUSSIA

Unofficial translation from Russian

Question: Please comment whether the offices of the British Council in 15 cities of the Russian Federation are divisions of the British embassy in Russia?

Commentary: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not regard the offices of the British Council in the Russian cities as cultural departments of Britain's embassy in Russia. As is known, the activities of the British Council are governed by the Russian-British agreement on cooperation in the fields of education, science and culture of February 15, 1994. As of now, this is the sole legal document having a relationship to the Council's activities. In particular, it does not imply that the premises held by the Council have the status of diplomatic representations.

Government consent is required for the opening of divisions of a diplomatic representation. The Russian government did not give such consent. Moreover, the British made no such request.

Question: Are the branches of the British Council in Russia required to pay taxes?

Answer: We strongly support consolidating and developing our bilateral contacts with Britain in culture, science and education. At the same time, the branches of the British Council with reference to their status are functioning within the appropriate Russian legislation. This applies to the sphere of taxation as well.

June 8, 2004