Cash-strapped Afghan diplomatic missions in US shut down

The Afghan embassy in Washington and consulates in New York and Los Angeles have shut down due to severe resource constraints and growing challenges, a statement said on March 17, Report informs referring to Pajhwok agency.

The embassy said the Afghan diplomatic missions faced growing operational challenges and severe resource constraints due to the freezing of its bank accounts.

It added the diplomatic missions had sought assistance from the Department of State and it suggested transferring custodial responsibility of the embassy and other missions to the US government in accordance with the Vienna Convention as the only viable option.

According to the statement, the ceasing of diplomatic operations and transfer of custodial responsibility to the State Department was effective from March 16.