Russia backs Syria in condemning closure of embassies in US
Moscow and Damascus accuse Washington of playing politics with diplomatic conventions
Syria and its ally Russia have criticised the decision by the United States to suspend the operations of Syria's embassy in Washington and consulates in other cities.
The Syrian Foreign Ministry on Wednesday condemned the action as a violation of international diplomatic conventions in a statement carried by Syrian state television.
[The US] has torpedoed the fundamental legal principle of consular work
Moscow called it "worrying and disappointing".
Worsening relations between the United States and Russia over Ukraine have clouded efforts by the two countries to broker a peace deal in Syria, which is in its fourth year of civil war.
The Russian Foreign Ministry suggested Washington's actions were aimed at "regime change" to oust Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, whom Russia has protected with diplomatic support at the UN Security Council.
"The aim of regime change in Damascus prevails over the task of disarming Syria of its chemical weapons and helping millions of Syrians who have suffered from the armed conflict," the ministry said on its website.
The Syrian Foreign Ministry said: "The United States of America committed a clear violation of the Vienna conventions on diplomatic relations and consular relations by resorting to an arbitrary measure."