The issuance of visas with restrictions to Russian journalists has drawn criticism from the Russian Foreign Ministry.
Journalists accompanying Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov received visas with restrictions.
Maria Zakharova, official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, commented on the situation on air at Sputnik Radio .
She explained that these visas are needed for journalists to travel to the high-level week of the UN General Assembly.
The US Embassy issued them C2 visas, which restrict their movement.
Journalists are only allowed within 40 kilometers of Columbus Circle in New York City.
Zakharova said the restriction demonstrates the US attitude towards freedom of speech and the safety of journalists.
She stressed that this gesture is demonstrative and not related to US security or immigration policy.
