Diplomats called Russia’s actions unreasonable, as the dismissed employees were carrying out their duties fully in accordance with their diplomatic accreditation.
In response to the declaration by employees of Russian foreign missions as persona non grata in several European countries, the Russian Federation expelled diplomats from Austria, Belgium and the Netherlands. This was announced on Tuesday, April 19, in a message on the website of the Russian Foreign Ministry.
In particular, the Russian Foreign Ministry summoned the Austrian Ambassador to Moscow Werner Almhofer. There, he “actually protested in connection with Vienna’s recognition of four employees of Russia’s foreign missions in Austria as persona non grata.”
The Foreign Ministry said that “this unfriendly step is causing serious damage to both bilateral relations and to Austria’s international prestige.”
“Employees of the Austrian embassy must leave the territory of the country before the end of the day on April 24 this year. The ambassador provided the corresponding note,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said.
They also declared persona non grata 14 employees of the Dutch embassy in Moscow and an employee of the country’s consulate general in St. Petersburg. Petersburg.
In addition, the number of employees of the Belgian embassy was declared persona non grata, who must leave the territory of Russia before the end of the day on May 3.
In turn, the Belgian Foreign Ministry said that the decision of the Russian authorities “reduces operational capabilities, contributes to the strengthening of Russia’s international diplomatic isolation,” VRT reported.
The Belgian Foreign Ministry called Russia’s actions unreasonable, as the dismissed employees performed their duties in full compliance with their diplomatic accreditation and the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
Earlier, about 20 countries announced the expulsion of Russian diplomats. More than 400 Russians will return home. In particular, North Macedonia has declared six more Russian diplomats persona non grata today.
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Source: korrespondent
