The UK rescinded a Russian diplomat’s accreditation Wednesday in retaliation for Russia’s expulsion of a British diplomat and diplomatic partner, accusing Moscow of making an attempt to power the closure of its embassy.
“During the past twelve months, Russia has pursued an increasingly aggressive and coordinated campaign of harassment against British diplomats, pumping out malicious and completely baseless accusations about their work,” a Foreign Office spokesperson stated in a press release asserting the choice.
“Russia’s expulsion this week of a British diplomat and diplomatic partner is yet one more escalation.
‘The accusations made in opposition to these people are totally false, fabricated so as to justify their rising harassment of UK diplomats,” the assertion stated.
“It is clear that the Russian state is actively seeking to drive the British Embassy in Moscow towards closure and has no regard for the dangerous escalatory impact of this,” it added.
Noting that the UK had taken reciprocal motion by instantly revoking the accreditation of a Russian diplomat and a diplomatic partner, the assertion famous: “We do not take this decision lightly, but we have always made clear to Russia that if they escalate, we will take reciprocal action.”
“The depths to which Russia sinks can only be met through strength.”
Stressing that regardless of the tensions and tough bilateral relations with Russia, the UK authorities believes you will need to keep diplomatic channels of communication and related diplomatic missions, the assertion stated it’s “deeply disappointing” that that is frequently made tougher by Moscow’s actions.
“We have drawn a line under this incident and demand Russia do the same. Any further action taken by Russia will be considered an escalation and responded to accordingly,” it added.
Russia stated Monday that it stripped the accreditation of two British diplomats within the nation over alleged intelligence actions.
The state of affairs relating to the 2 diplomats was uncovered throughout counterintelligence efforts, in keeping with a press release by the nation’s Federal Security Service (FSB).
Both individuals “intentionally provided false information when receiving permission to enter our country, thereby violating Russian law,” the assertion stated.
Last 12 months, Russia additionally revoked the accreditation of six British diplomats on suspicion of spying and posing a risk to the nation’s safety.
Source: www.anews.com.tr