Reference Message Network reported on April 16 that according to a report from Efe News Agency on April 15, internal documents obtained by the US State Department revealed that the US government plans to close nearly 30 embassies and consulates in various countries, many of which are located in European countries including Malta and France.
The report stated that the Trump administration proposed closing 10 embassies and 17 consulates, mainly in Europe and Africa.
This move may affect embassies in Malta and Luxembourg, as well as five consulates in France, two consulates in Germany, two consulates in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and one consulate in the UK.
The document also proposed closing several embassies and consulates in Africa, including one consulate in South Africa and embassies in the Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, and South Sudan.
In addition, one consulate in South Korea is recommended for closure, and the diplomatic missions in Somalia and Iraq are suggested to be downsized. Other diplomatic positions will also be "reassigned."
The US government pointed out that the decision on which embassies or consulates to close is based on factors such as workload, facility conditions, and employee costs.
According to CNN, this proposal was put forward by the Deputy Secretary of State responsible for administrative affairs.
Closing embassies and consulates aligns with the plan of Elon Musk, a powerful aide to Trump and a billionaire, who aims to drastically cut government spending by eliminating offices and projects and laying off large numbers of federal employees. This has sparked protests in many places across the United States.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7493823038652236298/
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