Russia declared eight Greek diplomats[/B] "personae non gratae" and gave them eight days to leave the country, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Monday.
The Foreign Ministry said it summoned the Greek ambassador to protest what it called "the confrontational course of the Greek authorities towards Russia, including the supply of arms and military equipment to the Kiev regime."
The ministry said it had also protested the Greek decision to declare a group of Russian diplomats "personae non gratae."
According to in, among the diplomats being deported is Nicholas Krikos, consul general in Moscow.
Among those being deported, seven are diplomats and one embassy administrator.
Greece is a member of NATO and the European Union and has joined EU sanctions against Russia for its actions in Ukraine.
The Russian Foreign Ministry statement:
"On June 27, the Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic to the Russian Federation was summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry, to whom a strong protest was expressed in connection with the confrontational course of the Greek authorities towards Russia, including the supply of arms and military equipment to the Kiev regime and the declaration of a group of Russian diplomats in Greece as "personae non gratae".
A note was delivered to the ambassador informing him that, in response, eight Greek diplomatic officials in Russia have been declared "personae non gratae" and must leave the country within eight days. He was also informed of other measures taken by the Russian side concerning the operation of Greek delegations abroad in Russia.
It is emphasized that we are talking about the direct consequences of the unfriendly actions initiated by the Greek authorities. The full responsibility for this event lies solely with Athens. It is pointed out that in case of continuation of the anti-Russian policy, we reserve the right to respond."
Athens' response
Foreign Ministry announcement regarding the decision of the Russian authorities to declare eight diplomatic staff members of the Greek Embassy in Moscow, as well as of the Consulate General in Moscow, as personae non grata (27.06.2022).
There is no basis for the decision of the Russian authorities to expel members of the staff of the Greek diplomatic and consular authorities in Russia, who, distinguished by their professionalism and high sense of responsibility, performed their duties in accordance with the provisions of the Vienna Conventions on Diplomatic and Consular Relations.
It is understood that the Embassy in Moscow, as well as the Consular Authorities in Russia will continue to make every effort with all means at their disposal in order to continue to carry out their mission under particularly difficult circumstances.
Source: in.gr
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