MOSCOW, July 12. /TASS/. The Greek embassy in Russia has declined to comment on the possible expulsion of Greek diplomats following Athens’ decision to declare two Russian diplomatic workers personae non grata.
"We advise that you request comments from a ministry spokesperson," an embassy source told TASS.
Reuters reported earlier citing a Greek diplomatic source that the Greek authorities had informed Russia about their intention to expel the diplomats on July 6. The diplomats were given a few days to leave.
The Greek Kathimerini daily reported earlier, citing diplomatic sources, that Athens had decided to expel two Russian diplomats and ban another two from entering the country. According to the daily, the Greek authorities accuse the diplomats of interfering in the country’s domestic affairs and undermining the national security of Greece. The newspaper says that the diplomats are particularly accused of "attempts to get and disseminate information, as well as bribe state officials." Athens’ decision is said to be "a response to a number of well-coordinated steps aimed at increasing Russia’s influence in Greece." However, the same sources said that Greece "is still willing to maintain good relations with Russia, facilitate friendship between the two countries’ people, as well as cooperation between the two governments.
Meanwhile, Russia’s Foreign Ministry said that Moscow always takes tit-for-tat measures in response to diplomat expulsions from other countries.