Last minute… Ireland asked 4 senior officials at the Russian Embassy in Dublin to leave the country. On the other hand, Belgium and the Netherlands also decided to expel some Russian diplomats in their countries.
Irish Prime Minister Michael Martin, in a statement in the parliament, cited the “security recommendations” he had taken as the reason for the decision.
EXPORT DECISION FOR 4 OFFICIALS
Noting that the Russian Ambassador was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Martin said that the activities of the 4 officials who were asked to leave the country did not comply with international diplomatic behavior standards.
Martin expressed his belief that diplomatic channels with Russia should remain open.
HOLLAND
The Netherlands expelled 17 Russian diplomats for spying.
Dutch Foreign Minister Wopke Hoekstra announced on his social media account that they had expelled Russian diplomats for spying.
“The Netherlands expelled 17 Russian intelligence officers from Russian embassies in the Netherlands, who were acting as diplomats,” Hoekstra said. shared it.
Noting that the decision was taken in line with the information obtained from the Netherlands Security and Intelligence Agency (AIVD) and the Netherlands Military Intelligence and Security Service (MIVD), Hoekstra said, “These intelligence officers are a threat to the security of the country. This step was taken in coordination with other like-minded countries. It is a measure taken in the context of national security.” used the phrase.
BELGIUM
The Belgian government decided to expel 21 of the Russian diplomats stationed in the country on the grounds that they were spying.
Foreign Minister Sophie Wilmes announced that Russian diplomats are working at the Russian Embassy in Brussels and its consulate in Antwerp.
Speaking at a meeting in the Belgian parliament, Wilmes announced that these diplomats would be expelled for engaging in espionage and influence operations that threaten the country’s national security.
Wilmes stated that the Russian diplomats were given 15 days to leave the country, and that the decision was taken in consultation with the Netherlands.
Wilmes said, “This is not a sanction. This decision is about our national security. Our diplomatic channels with Russia are open. The embassy of Russia will remain open in Belgium.” said.
REVENGE FROM RUSSIA
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, which expelled a total of 10 Russian diplomats, within the scope of the principle of reciprocity, and expelled 4 Lithuanian, 3 Latvian and 3 Estonian diplomats. (AA-UAV)