U.S. consulate in Medan closes

MEDAN, North Sumatra: After 70 years in operation, the consulate general of the United States in Medan was officially closed yesterday.

Antara quoted Leo Gallagher as saying that the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta will take over all of the consulate's activities.

"This consulate is one of the 16 U.S. offices abroad to close down following the U.S. Department of Foreign Affairs' decision to cut down its yearly budget," Gallagher said.

He added that the U.S. government is making every effort to lighten its taxpayers' burden. (16)