MOSCOW, August 10. /TASS/. Two Greek diplomats expelled from Russia as a retaliation for Athens’ steps, will leave Moscow on August 11-12, a source in the Greek embassy told TASS on Friday.
"They are expected to leave Russia during the upcoming weekend," the source said.
On July 11, the Greek Kathimerini daily reported, citing diplomatic sources, that Athens had decided to expel two Russian diplomats and ban another two from entering the country. According to the daily, Athens accused the diplomats of interfering in the country’s domestic affairs and undermining the national security of Greece. However, the same sources said that Greece was still willing to maintain good relations with Russia, facilitate friendship between the two countries’ people, as well as cooperation between the two governments.
Greek Government Spokesman Dimitris Tzanakopoulos later confirmed the expulsion of Russian diplomats. Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova, in turn, said that the move would not positively affect bilateral relations, spurring a tit-for-tat response.
On August 6, the Russian Foreign Ministry summoned Greek Ambassador Andreas Friganas to hand him a retaliatory note.