Foreign
RUSSIAN Foreign Ministry’s spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, on Monday said the expulsion of Russian diplomats serves the interests of the U.S. and not Poland’s or the Czech Republic.
Zakharova told the Channel One Russia broadcaster that “we understand perfectly well that this is not the choice of the people and citizens of these countries – Poland and the Czech Republic.
“We understand very well that it is precisely those political forces that do not serve the national interests of these countries that are behind this, they serve a political order from Washington, probably well paid, but this is the interest of the U.S., not Poland and the Czech Republic’’.
The spokeswoman also said that Prague’s decision would have a negative impact on the relations between the Czech Republic and Russia.
She also mentioned that 20 Czech diplomats are being expelled from Russia as a result.
“This is not our choice, this is a response.
“Prague is now prohibited from hiring personnel for its embassies and foreign missions from Russian citizens.
“This is already very serious for them,’’ Zakharova said.
On Saturday, Prague announced the expulsion of 18 Russian diplomats on suspicion of being officers of Russia’s special services.
They were obliged to leave the country within 48 hours.
The Czech authorities explained that the move was prompted by “a reasonable suspicion” that Russian military intelligence officers had something to do with the October 2014 explosion at an ammunition depot in the town of Vrbetice that killed two Czech nationals.
In response, Russia decided to expel 20 Czech diplomats.
Earlier, Poland declared three Russian diplomats personae non-gratae and Moscow responded by expelling five Polish diplomats. (Sputnik/NAN)
– Apr. 19, 2021 @ 14:42 GMT
Tags: Czech Republic serves U.S. interests – Moscow Russian diplomat’s expulsion from Poland
