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Arrest of Portuguese spying for Russia minor episode in ties — ambassador

The arrest of a Portuguese suspected of espionage for Russia in Italy is a minor episode in bilateral relations, says Portugal’s Ambassador to Russia, the Italian side has handed over the suspect

© EPA/ANDRE KOSTERS

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MOSCOW, June 7 /TASS/. The arrest of a Portuguese suspected of espionage for Russia in Italy is a minor episode in bilateral relations, Portugal’s Ambassador to Russia M·rio Godinho de Matos told TASS.

"I learnt about the incident from TASS reports. It means that the TASS news agency works very well," the Portuguese ambassador said.

"All the necessary measures are being taken. I can only say that the incident is being openly discussed in the Portuguese press. The Italian side has handed over the suspected Portuguese national to the Portuguese authorities," the diplomat said.

"We consider the incident to be a small episode, which can in no way affect the good relations between the two countries. A whole number of bilateral events has been planned. An inter-governmental commission for cooperation will meet in Lisbon, Portugal, in July," Mario Godinho de Matos said adding there would be other contacts too.

"We will continue improving our cooperation," the diplomat stressed.

Last Monday, the Italian news agency ANSA reported that Italy had extradited a Portuguese who was arrested in Rome on charges of spying for Russia on May 24 back to Portugal. Frederico Carvalho Gil, 57, is suspected of disclosing state secrets and illegally passing confidential information. He was arrested him in Rome when he was allegedly handing over secret documents to a Russian security agent.

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