Nineteen members of the Russian Permanent Mission to the EU are personae non gratae "for engaging in activities contrary to their diplomatic status", in accordance with a decision by EU High Representative Josep Borel, Commission Spokesperson for External Affairs Peter Stano was interviewed by APE-MPA. The persons concerned will have to leave Belgium.
The Secretary General of the European External Action Service, Stefano Sanino, called the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the European Union, Vladimir Chizov, this afternoon to inform him of the decision. The European Union has taken this step in response to the illegal and subversive actions of the designated members of the Russian Mission against the interests and security of the EU and EU Member States.
"The European Union has taken this step in response to the illegal and subversive actions of the designated members of the Russian Mission against the interests and security of the EU and EU Member States. These actions violate the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations," it says.
At the same time, it points out that the privileges and immunities of the Russian citizens in question will be revoked and they will be forced to leave Belgium.
Peter Stano underlines that the decision comes at the moment of reported atrocities carried out by Russia's armed forces in certain occupied Ukrainian cities that have now been liberated, notably Butchnya.
"The European Union stands in full solidarity with Ukraine and the Ukrainian people and will continue to provide all possible support, in coordination with international partners."
Source: APE
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