Democratic Congressmen Press Pompeo For Answers On EU Diplomatic Downgrade - Letter

Democratic Congressmen Press Pompeo for Answers on EU Diplomatic Downgrade - Letter

Twenty-six Democratic members of Congress have sent a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo demanding to know the reasons for downgrading the diplomatic status of the European Union, US Congressman Eliot Engels said in a press release on Monday

WASHINGTON (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 14th January, 2019) Twenty-six Democratic members of Congress have sent a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo demanding to know the reasons for downgrading the diplomatic status of the European Union, US Congressman Eliot Engels said in a press release on Monday.

"We are deeply troubled by recent public reports that the State Department and the Office of the Chief of Protocol have downgraded the diplomatic status of the Delegation of the European Union to the United States," the letter said.

The step occurred without congressional consultation or apparent notification to the European Union, the congressmen wrote in the letter.

"At a time when the Trump Administration is seeking to win trade concessions from the EU... and maintain sanctions on Russia for a range of malign actions, showing disrespect to our closest partners reduces the influence and credibility of the United States," the letter said.

NATO and the European Union were the cornerstones of the transatlantic relationship, based on common values with the United States and a shared vision for Europe, and should be treated as such, the letter added.