Russia has declared eight Greek diplomats ‘persona non grata’

Eight Greek diplomats have been declared persona non grata by the Russian state, according to a statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry.

According to a statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry:

“On June 27, the Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic to the Russian Federation was summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry, where he strongly protested against the Greek authorities’ conflict with Russia, including the supply of weapons and military equipment to the Kiev regime and the Russian diplomats in Greece as ‘persona non grata’.

The ambassador was given a notice that, in response, eight Greek diplomats in Russia had been declared ‘persona non grata’ and had to leave the country within eight days. Information was given about other steps taken by the Russian side regarding the operation of Greek delegations in Russia.

It is emphasized that we are talking about direct consequences of hostile actions launched by the Greek authorities. Athens is solely responsible for this. It is pointed out that in case of continuation of the anti-Russian policy we reserve the right to respond “.

What does the Greek Foreign Minister answer?

We express our deep regret for the decision of the Russian authorities to declare eight officials of the Greek Embassy in Moscow, as well as the Consulate General in Moscow, as personae non grata, the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs states and adds:

“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. for Diplomatic and Consular Relations.

Greece maintains an attitude of principle, guided by respect for international law.

“It goes without saying that the Embassy in Moscow, as well as the Consular Authorities in Russia, will continue to make every effort to continue their mission in particularly difficult conditions.”