Russia to expel two Greek diplomats

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Europe

Moscow will respond to the expulsion of Russian diplomats from Greece by expelling two Greek diplomats, RIA news agency said on Wednesday, citing Andrei Klimov, a member of the upper house of parliament.

Greek government spokesman Dimitris Tzanakopoulos did not comment on the Russian report but said: "Greece has proven, as part of a multifaceted foreign policy, that it seeks good relations with all states. From there on, all states and authorities should respect international law, but also us, the Greek government and the Greek state."

Russia gave a mirroring response to the expulsion of Russian diplomats from Greece.

The Greek government also decided to ban another two Russian diplomats from entering the country, local media reported.

The four diplomats are accused of intrusion into Greece's domestic affairs and illegal acts against the country's national security.

The case brings the tension that has been brewing between Athens and Moscow over the last two years, for reasons that have to do with regional security, to the forefront

(Cover: A car by the Russian Foreign Ministry where the ambassadors of countries that expelled Russian diplomats were summoned, March 30, 2018. /VCG Photo)

(With input from Reuters)