"Most surprising is to hear concerns related to the situation around The British Council from a third party", said Russia's Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Yakovenko at a RIA Novosti press conference on Friday.
Addressing the request to comment on US Ambassador to Moscow Alexander Vershbow's concern over the current situation around The British Council activities in Russia, Mr. Yakovenko reminded that The British Council was not a division of the British embassy to Russia.
He explained that the activities of this public organization were governed by the Russian legislation. Mr. Yakovenko emphasized that The British Council, having 15 divisions in Russia, was engaged in commercial activities.
Mr. Yakovenko concluded that Moscow stood for development of the cultural links with Britain, but wanted to have it in compliance with the Russian legislation.
The Russian competent authorities said last week that during The British Council activities audit, they had had several questions regarding taxation policy of the organization. In particular, they wondered why this Russia-based organization engaged in commercial activities did not pay taxes in Russia.
